New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) may have just done the impossible: created a version of the proposed $250 bill of Donald Trump that even his haters will approve of.
Background of the Proposed Bill
Last month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that there is legislation in the House that would allow the president to appear on the currency as part of America's 250th birthday celebration. Although federal law has made it illegal to put living people on currency since 1866, there is a special provision for currency that commemorates an event like the semiquincentennial.
Hochul's Satirical Design
Though the idea of Trump on U.S. currency has struck many as a bad idea, Hochul found a way for both Trump and his haters to get what they want. She unveiled the suggested bill on social media on Thursday in response to a post by CBS News' Kathryn Watson, who reported that Trump said his supporters want the bill to be made. Hochul's rendition featured the president in one of his most familiar poses these days: sleeping during a Cabinet meeting.
Reactions and Support
Those who were previously unenthusiastic about Trump's appearance on U.S. currency seemed to embrace this version, including at least one Democratic member of Congress. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) tweeted: "The President wants to put his face on the $250 bill. That requires a vote of Congress. I would vote YES to authorize the below design." Others also didn't want the Treasury to snooze on Hochul's idea. Social media users chimed in with comments like "Move forward with this. Looks real" and "That whole 'Sleepy Joe' thing has not aged well." Another user joked, "The longest and hardest blink anyone has ever blinked before! Make it legend!" Some called for a more extreme design: "Put him behind bars and people will be lining up for that little token of American history." Others referenced pop culture: "I paid for my ticket to Weekend at Bernie's with this bill." The idea even sparked merchandise requests: "We need tee shirts!! I want this on a shirt!"
