Democrats demand watchdog investigation into push to get Trump’s face on $250 bill

Democrats demand watchdog investigation into push to get Trump’s face on $250 bill Democratic lawmakers are raising questions about whether the Treasury Department engaged in ‘waste, fraud and abuse’ by pushing an effort to get Trump’s face on a $250 bill - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A group of Senate Democrats is asking the Treasury Department’s internal watchdog to investigate whether the agency dedicated resources to creating a $250 featuring President Donald Trump’s face despite legal hurdles preventing the Treasury Department from doing so. In a letter to the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General sent Tuesday, the group of four Democrats are demanding to know if, how and why department officials allegedly pushed the $250 bill project forward despite federal law indicating only deceased presidents may appear on currency and Congress has yet to pass legislation permitting so. Citing recent Washington Post and New York Times reports, the lawmakers ask whether officials involved in the investigation used resources in a manner that “constitutes waste, fraud, and abuse.” “Given the cost of living crisis across the United States, it is disturbing that the Treasury Secretary sees no problem focusing the Treasury’s attention on developing an illegal $250 bill instead of addressing the real economic challenges facing the country,” the Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, wrote. Among a series of questions the Democrats are asking the Treasury Department’s Inspector General to investigate, they want to know how much time and money were spent, as well as which staff were dedicated to the project. When reached for comment, the Treasury Inspector General office told The Independent: “We have received the subject letter but have no further comment regarding the matter." Last year, Republican Rep. Joe Wilson introduced legislation that would permit the Treasury to print $250 bills featuring Trump’s portrait to commemorate the United States’s 250th anniversary. Months later, in May, Bessent told reporters in the White House Briefing Room that the department had begun working on renderings of a $250 bill featuring Trump. However, Bessent also acknowledged that no living person was allowed to be featured on U.S. currency without Congressional approval. “I don’t think that there’s anything untoward about having the person who is president of the United States on the 250th anniversary bill,” Bessent said at the time. A Treasury Department spokesperson told the Washington Post at the time that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing was “conducting appropriate planning and due diligence” in mocking up a $250 bill. “Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the [Bureau of Engraving and Printing] is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” the Treasury spokesperson said. Democrats had condemned the proposed $250 bill, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries declaring it “Monopoly money.” “This is the most ridiculous thing in the world. How sycophantic are Republicans when this is what they're focused on, as opposed to actually doing the type of things to address the damage that they've done to the American people?” Jeffries said in May on “The Julie Mason Show.” Now, Democrats are asking for a more formal inquiry into the push for it. Tuesday’s letter was co-signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Senator Jeff Merkley, the top Democrat on the Budget Committee; Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Finance Committee; and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, the top Democrat on the Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection subcommittee. Trump has used the upcoming semiquincentennial to host events and push for products that seemingly celebrate himself as well. Earlier this month, on his birthday, Trump hosted the first Ultimate Fighting Championship cage match on the White House lawn, billing it as a celebration of America. The president has reportedly pushed for the creation of a $1 gold coin bearing his likeness, the State Department will issue limited edition passports featuring Trump’s face, and the administration has created Freedom 250, a private-public partnered organization, to host events – including a rally featuring Trump. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] The printing director who resisted t here,she wrote in ner goodbye D PT45474547 OENMERIC DT PT454745470T1 Trump administration officials have pressed the office responsibie or printing the nation's money to design a$250 bill eaturing the presidents portrait,according to bur current and brmer employees in what would be the first appearance oa living person on U.S. currency in more than 150 years. Starting last year.two political appointees at the Treasury Department-U.S.Treasurer Brandon Beach and his senior adviser,Mike Brown-repeatedly urged staff at the agency's Bureau oEngraving and Printing to prepare prototypes othe note,according to the employees,who said the move raised concerns because ederaltaw currently allows only deceased people to appear on bills. The employees spoke on the condition oanonymity br ear oZretribution. As part oZthe effort.Beach in August and September provided bureau staff with mock-up designs or the note,including one that shows President Donald Trump's ace in the center the$250 billbetween the signatures othe president and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent,according to one othe employees and records reviewed by The Washington Post The artist who said he designed the mock-up told The Post that he had spoken with Trump aboutit.