British painter Iain Alexander said Trump endorsed changes to his original design, such as adding the colors of the American flag and a logo commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
“He likes to call me his favorite British artist,” said Alexander, a former competitive swimmer and DJ who describes himself as a royal portrait artist of Queen Elizabeth II and others. (snip)
America is turning 250—and it’s time to make more history! Today, I met with @TreasurerBeach on my proposal to put President Donald Trump on a new $250 bill. We’ve included this in a recent FI hearing in @FinancialCmte. Let’s honor 250 years of American greatness by celebrating… pic.twitter.com/WgRl4xAJrU
— Congressman Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) January 8, 2026
For the back of the note, Alexander said he proposed a theme of “women’s liberation” featuring Betsy Ross, the seamstress who made flags during the American Revolution.
Trump’s feedback? “He absolutely loved it,” Alexander said.
Alexander said in addition to the $250 note, he is also working on a much larger art project for the America 250 celebration but has had some difficulty getting regular feedback from Trump since the start of the war in Iran.
“You can appreciate all he’s got on his plate at the moment,” he said.
!!! Trump appointees at Treasury push for $250 bill with his face on it. Director of Bureau of Printing & Engraving, who resisted the effort, said she was involuntarily reassigned last month. “The buck stopped here,” she wrote in her goodbye. wapo.st/4fM4Hei
— David Wessel (@davidmwessel.bsky.social) May 28, 2026 at 6:59 AM
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Louie Gohmert saying this is amazing.
— Senate Gabe (@senategabe.bsky.social) May 28, 2026 at 2:10 AM
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On November 3, 1975, Treasury Secretary William E. Simon announced that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) would produce $2 Federal Reserve Notes for the first time.
Although the Bicentennial inspired the new design, the government did not classify the Series 1976 $2 note as a commemorative issue.