Controversial Bill Proposes Big Changes to $100 Bills

A Texas congressman’s audacious bill proposing to replace Benjamin Franklin with Donald Trump on the $100 bill faces significant legal hurdles as current law prevents living individuals from appearing on U.S. currency.

Key Insights

Republican Rep. Brandon Gill introduced the “GOLDEN AGE ACT” to place President Trump on the $100 bill by 2029.
U.S. law would need to be changed as regulations currently prohibit living individuals from appearing on American currency.
The bill requires no $100 notes to be printed after December 31, 2028, without featuring Trump’s portrait.
The proposal has garnered support from some Republicans but appears unlikely to receive bipartisan backing.

Proposed “GOLDEN AGE ACT” Would Honor Trump’s Legacy

Texas Representative Brandon Gill has introduced what he calls the “GOLDEN AGE ACT,” legislation that would replace Benjamin Franklin’s portrait with President Donald Trump’s on the $100 bill. The first-term Republican congressman, a strong supporter of Trump, argues that the president’s achievements merit recognition alongside other historical figures who appear on American currency. Gill formally introduced the bill with fellow Texas Republican Troy Nehls as a co-sponsor.

“I’m introducing the GOLDEN AGE ACT to put President Donald J. Trump on the $100 bill. America is experiencing an historic rebirth under President Trump—his legacy deserves to be immortalized,” Gill stated on social media. “Washington. Lincoln. Reagan. TRUMP. It’s time to make history.”

Legal Hurdles and Implementation Timeline

The proposal faces significant legal obstacles, as current U.S. law prohibits living persons from appearing on American currency. This provision would need to be amended before Trump could be featured on any denomination. If passed, the legislation specifies a gradual implementation process with a preliminary design to be released by December 31, 2026, and no $100 bills printed after December 31, 2028, without Trump’s portrait. The redesigned notes would be fully introduced in 2029.

“There has been no one who has done more to bring America into the golden age than President Trump,” Gill said in a statement Monday. “Featuring him on the $100 bill is a small way to honor all he will accomplish these next four years.”

The congressmen supporting the measure highlight Trump’s policy achievements as justification for this honor. The last major change to U.S. currency portraits occurred in 1929, when Andrew Jackson replaced Grover Cleveland on the $20 bill, underscoring the historical significance of such modifications.

Alternative Proposals and Public Reaction

This isn’t the only initiative seeking to honor the president on U.S. currency. Representative Joe Wilson has proposed an alternative plan to feature Trump on a new $250 note rather than replacing Franklin on the existing $100 bill. Both proposals reflect growing sentiment among Trump supporters that his presidency warrants historical commemoration, with some even suggesting adding his likeness to Mount Rushmore.

“President Trump could be enjoying his golden years golfing and spending time with his family. Instead, he took a bullet for this country and is now working overtime to secure our border, fix our uneven trade relationship with the rest of the world, make America energy independent again, and put America first by ending useless foreign aid.” – Rep. Brandon Gill

Public reception has been mixed, with supporters viewing the proposal as a fitting recognition of Trump’s achievements, while critics question the timing and necessity of such legislation amid pressing economic concerns. The bill is unlikely to gain bipartisan support in the current political climate, making its passage uncertain. Regardless of its legislative prospects, the proposal has sparked debate about how historical figures are memorialized on national symbols and the criteria used to determine such honors.