By Charles Switzer
12:11pm PST, Mar 6, 2025
Trump on the $100 Bill
Republican lawmaker Brandon Gill introduced the "Golden Age Act of 2025," a bill aimed at replacing Founding Father Benjamin Franklin's image on the $100 bill with that of President Donald Trump. The proposal, announced Monday, March 3, is intended to honor Trump's impact on America, with Gill stating that Trump "took a bullet for this country" and has worked tirelessly to restore American strength.The legislation, if passed, outlines a timeline requiring the Secretary of Treasury to reveal a preliminary design by the end of 2026, with new bills featuring Trump set for circulation starting in 2028.
Here's where the measure currently stands…
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news
Support and Opposition
The bill faces a long road ahead, requiring approval from both the House and Senate before it could be signed into law by President Trump. With Republican control of Congress, it is not entirely outside the realm of possibility.However, historical data suggests that only about 6 percent of introduced bills actually pass, and many are proposed primarily for symbolic reasons or to appeal to political bases. The proposal has drawn immediate reactions from both supporters and critics, with some conservatives hailing it as a fitting tribute while opponents argue that Franklin's legacy should remain untouched.
Brandon Gill Explained
Gill, a freshman congressman from Texas, has quickly made a name for himself within the MAGA movement. Raised on a cattle ranch in Texas, he pursued a career in finance before leaving Wall Street to launch the DC Enquirer, a conservative news outlet focused on "America First" policies, according to USA Today.His background as an investment banker and hedge fund analyst gives him a unique profile among Republican lawmakers. His proposal to replace Franklin with Trump is the latest in a string of initiatives aimed at honoring the former president.
The Challenges of Changing Currency
If Gill's bill were to pass, it would mark a significant departure from over a century of tradition, as Franklin has been on the $100 bill since 1914. Currency changes are typically a lengthy and complex process, requiring approval from both Congress and the Treasury Department.Additionally, significant logistical hurdles exist, including the costs associated with redesigning and printing new bills. Historically, past efforts to alter U.S. currency — such as proposals to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill — have faced extensive delays and political resistance.
Other Efforts to Honor Trump
Gill's proposal is not the only recent attempt to memorialize Trump in American history. In January, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, introduced a bill proposing that Trump's likeness be added to Mount Rushmore.The proposal included a rendering of Trump's figure beside Abraham Lincoln, sparking both admiration and outrage. While such efforts are largely symbolic, they reflect the growing push among Trump-aligned lawmakers to secure his place in America's historical and cultural legacy.