Overview of the Bill

The proposed legislation, introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 1790, is titled the "Golden Age Act of 2025." Its primary aim is to mandate that all $100 notes printed after December 31, 2028, prominently feature a portrait of Donald J. Trump on the front. To facilitate this change, the Secretary of the Treasury must release a preliminary design for the new $100 bill by December 31, 2026. This bill was put forward by Mr. Gill of Texas, alongside Mr. Nehls and Ms. Boebert, and has been referred to the Committee on Financial Services.

Significant Issues Raised

The bill raises several concerns and issues. Key among these is the perception of favoritism inherent in featuring a specific individual, especially a political figure, on United States currency. This could be contentious as it deviates from the tradition of depicting historical figures who have made universally recognized contributions to the nation’s history. Additionally, there are potential political implications. The decision to feature Donald J. Trump, a recent and polarizing political figure, might be viewed as politically motivated, challenging the traditional separation of national symbols from current political movements or affiliations.

Another significant concern revolves around potential wasteful spending. Implementing such a change would necessitate redesigning and producing new $100 notes, which might incur substantial costs. There is also a noted lack of clarity on the implementation process. The bill does not outline how the redesign and transition to the new currency will be handled nor how cost efficiency and public opinion will be managed.

Lastly, there is ambiguity regarding the impact on existing $100 notes already in circulation. The text does not clarify how the transition to new notes will affect the current supply of $100 bills or what steps will be taken to address confusion or logistical challenges during the transition period.

Potential Impact on the Public

From a broad public perspective, this bill could lead to significant changes in the physical appearance and distribution of currency. The redesign of a widely used denomination like the $100 bill could have implications for both collectors and the general public who rely on these notes for daily transactions. There could also be a cultural impact, as currency is often seen as a representation of national values and history.

In terms of stakeholders, the financial sector could be affected by the logistical requirements of transitioning to new currency. The Treasury and associated governmental bodies would be responsible for managing the redesign and production process, potentially allocating significant resources to implement the change.

Collectors and enthusiasts particularly interested in numismatics — the study or collection of currency — might experience increased interest or controversy with new notes featuring a contemporary political figure, potentially raising their value or interest within certain circles.

Overall, the proposed change could yield a mix of public opinions, from those who support the idea of honoring a recent president to those who believe such changes should be reserved for individuals with more historical distance and bipartisan appeal.

The proposed bill, H. R. 1790, aims to alter the $100 bill by mandating the inclusion of a portrait of Donald J. Trump. This legislation does not directly allocate funds or specify spending amounts; however, it has significant financial implications.

Financial Implications

1. Redesign and Production Costs: The bill requires all $100 notes printed after December 31, 2028, to feature a portrait of Donald J. Trump. This implies a redesign and potential production changes for the $100 bills, likely incurring substantial costs. Redesigning currency is an extensive process involving new designs, production trials, security feature updates, and distribution logistics. Although the bill does not specify a budget for this change, financial analysts could forecast significant expenses to the U.S. Treasury to accommodate this new design.

2. Cost of Public Release: By December 31, 2026, the Secretary of the Treasury must release the preliminary design of the new $100 note. The bill does not outline the method by which this design will be publicized, but typical measures might include press releases, marketing materials, or public displays, all of which could carry additional costs.

Relation to Identified Issues

1. Favoritism and Political Implications: The financial implications of redesigning the $100 note highlight concerns about favoritism towards Donald J. Trump and potential political motivations. Creating a bill that necessitates expensive changes based on a controversial individual might appear politically motivated, potentially causing public dissatisfaction.

2. Wasteful Use of Resources: Critics may view these expenditures as unnecessary or wasteful, particularly if there is no widespread public support. Should opposition arise, the funds necessary for implementing this change might be considered better allocated towards other financial priorities, thus reflecting concerns about the practical use of government resources.

3. Lack of Process Clarity: The bill lacks detailed guidance on how the redesign and production processes will be managed. Without defined processes for ensuring cost efficiency or involving public opinion, the financial undertakings might be inefficient or face resistance, aligning with concerns about unclear implementation strategies.

4. Impact on Existing Currency: Although the bill mandates future production changes, it remains silent on the fate of current $100 notes. This ambiguity could lead to confusion about the coexistence of both bill designs and potential costs associated with the phase-out or simultaneous circulation of current note designs.

In summary, while H. R. 1790 does not specify financial allocations, its mandate for redesigning the $100 bill suggests significant financial considerations, aligning with broader concerns about favoritism, political influences, and resource use.