The White House is pushing Congress to approve a $250 bill bearing Donald Trump's portrait, a move that would require changing a longstanding federal law prohibiting any living person from appearing on US currency. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the proposal at a news conference on Thursday, stating that the bill would celebrate the country's 250th anniversary of independence. Bessent noted that the Treasury has already begun preparations for the new currency but emphasized that it would adhere to the law and that the decision rests with Capitol Hill.
Legislative Challenges Ahead
The legislation would need a simple majority in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, but it is unlikely to secure the 60 votes necessary in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries immediately rejected the proposal, posting on X: "Hard no on a Trump $250 bill. Get over yourself. The upcoming July 4th anniversary is not about a wannabe King. It's about celebrating the American journey."
Other Trump Administration News
In related developments, Trump has circulated a draft peace agreement for the war with Iran among allies, including Israel, as both sides seek to prevent further ceasefire breaches. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday to advance negotiations.
Trump has also refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its reporting on his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, after a judge dismissed an earlier version due to legal deficiencies. Meanwhile, the Justice Department's inquiry into E Jean Carroll is part of a broader investigation into a non-profit backed by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, though Carroll herself is not the subject of the probe.
An anti-crime taskforce ordered by Trump in Memphis has been accused of using "immense force" and targeting community observers, according to the ACLU of Tennessee. The group filed a lawsuit against state and federal officials administering the initiative, alleging harassment and false arrest.
The Trump administration is also suing four states for refusing to issue confidential license plates to ICE agents, arguing that the states have provided such plates to other law enforcement agencies for undercover operations.
The "No Kings" movement has announced a nationwide event on June 14, counter-programming Trump's 80th birthday celebrations and a UFC bout at the White House.
Other notable events include a study showing that abortion restrictions have made miscarriage care more difficult in states with bans, the White House's tribute to Harambe the gorilla on the 10th anniversary of his death, and multiple musical acts dropping out of a Trump administration concert series for the 250th anniversary. Additionally, Students for Trump co-founder Ryan Fournier was arrested on domestic violence charges, and California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to shield state elections from federal interference.
