Freshman Texas rep wants to pay homage to Trump — by putting his face on $100 bill

A Fresh Tribute to a Polarizing Figure: The Proposed "Golden Age Act"

In a bold and attention-grabbing move, freshman GOP Congressman Brandon Gill of Texas has introduced a bill that could etch President Donald Trump’s face onto the iconic $100 bill. The "Golden Age Act of 2025," unveiled on Monday, aims to replace Benjamin Franklin’s portrait with Trump’s likeness, a symbolic gesture that has sparked both excitement and controversy. While the bill is unlikely to pass due to opposition from Democrats in the Senate, it highlights the deep admiration some Republicans have for the 45th president and their desire to cement his legacy in American history. The proposal also reflects the broader trend of politicians seeking to honor influential figures from their party, often in unconventional ways.

Praising Trump’s Commitment: Gill’s Perspective

Only 31 years old and serving his first term in Congress, Rep. Brandon Gill has wasted no time making his loyalty to Trump known. In a statement accompanying the bill, he praised Trump for putting the nation’s interests above his personal life, suggesting that the former president could be enjoying retirement but instead continues to fight for causes like border security, trade reform, energy independence, and ending foreign aid. Gill’s language is both laudatory and politically charged, framing Trump as a selfless leader who has "taken a bullet for this country." The bill, which marks Gill’s third piece of legislation since taking office, is as much about showcasing his allegiance to Trump as it is about rewriting currency history.

A Legislative Long Shot: The Road to the Senate

While the "Golden Age Act" has garnered attention for its audacity, its chances of becoming law are slim. The bill would need to survive the Senate, where Democrats are likely to filibuster it, requiring a 60-vote threshold to move forward. Given the partisan divide, such a margin seems unattainable. The Treasury Department, which oversees currency design, would also need to greenlight the change, a step that would likely face opposition from the Biden administration. The proposed timeline for the bill is ambitious: a new design unveiled by the end of 2026 and all $100 bills featuring Trump’s face by the end of 2028. Yet, with_full_implementation years away and political hurdles mounting, the bill is largely symbolic.

Flattery and Ambition: Trump’s Place in History

The idea of immortalizing Trump on currency is not isolated to this bill. The former president, known for his larger-than-life personality and penchant for comparison to iconic figures, has long been the subject of such tributes. In a recent Oval Office meeting with reporters, Trump humorously compared himself to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, two of America’s most revered presidents, saying, "I would say I’m far superior to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln." He quickly backtracked, calling it a joke, but the remark underscores his confidence in his place in history. Other politicians have also sought to flatter Trump with grand gestures, such as a recent proposal by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) to add his face to Mount Rushmore.

A Tradition of Tribute: Political Icons on Currency and Beyond

The $100 bill, affectionately known as a "Benjamin" due to Franklin’s portrait, is one of the most recognizable banknotes in the world. Franklin, a Founding Father and symbol of American ingenuity, has graced the bill since 1914. The redesign proposed by Gill’s bill would not only break with tradition but also deviate from the precedent of featuring non-presidents on currency. Only the $10 bill, which honors Alexander Hamilton, shares this distinction. While the $100 bill was last redesigned in 2010 to include a blue security ribbon, Franklin’s image has remained unchanged. The idea of replacing him with Trump is a radical departure, reflecting a broader trend of politicians seeking to honor their ideological allies in unconventional ways.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy, Loyalty, and the Currency of Politics

This debate over the $100 bill is less about currency design than it is about the cultural and political battles of our time. For supporters, it’s a way to celebrate Trump’s impact and cement his legacy. For critics, it’s a misguided attempt to elevate a polarizing figure at the expense of a national icon. The bill also highlights the ways in which politicians use symbolic gestures to signal their loyalty to their base and their leaders. While the "Golden Age Act" may never become law, it speaks to the ongoing struggle to define America’s identity and the role of its leaders in shaping that narrative. Love him or hate him, Trump’s influence endures, and this bill is just one chapter in the ongoing story of his post-presidency.