OAN Staff Jenna Lee
6:35 AM – Friday, May 29, 2026
U.S. Department of the Treasury (USDT) Secretary Scott Bessent leveled sharp criticism at The Washington Post, blasting the outlet’s report on a planned commemorative $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s image.
Bessent, acting as the latest high-profile administration official to host the White House press briefing, actively sought out reporters from the publication during the Q&A session on Thursday.
“I don’t really understand this Washington Post article, but who here is from the Post?” asked Bessent.
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After a reporter identified themselves, the Treasury Secretary did not hold back.
“Terribly written, terribly edited,” he criticized. “Because basically what it says is that Treasury is following the law, and that we’ve created the bill, and that it’s up to Congress … I didn’t really understand what the story was.”
The Washington Post had reported earlier Thursday that Trump’s political appointees had pressed staff at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to fast-track prototypes of a $250 banknote bearing Trump’s likeness and signature.
Last year, Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) proposed the “Donald J. Trump $250 Bill Act,” or H.R. 1761, requesting the Treasury to print $250 notes featuring the president’s portrait on it, though neither chamber of Congress has yet passed the bill.
Under current federal law dating back to 1866, living individuals are strictly prohibited from appearing on U.S. currency. However, Bessent confirmed that the Trump administration is proactively preparing designs in case Congress passes pending legislation authorizing the special note to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The push for a $250 bill is part of a sweeping, coordinated effort by the administration to leave a lasting imprint on government materials and landmarks ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Trump already made history after the Treasury Department announced that his signature would appear on newly printed currency, marking a shift from using the signatures of the treasury secretary and the treasurer.
In addition to the banknote, officials are exploring commemorative Trump-branded passports, dollar coins and National Parks passes for the Semiquincentennial.
Currently, the president’s face is displayed on a massive banner over the Department of Justice (DOJ). His name has also been affixed to the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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