The debate over American currency just got a new twist. A Republican lawmaker has introduced a controversial bill that aims to remove Founding Father Benjamin Franklin from the $100 bill and replace him with former President Donald Trump. This proposal, known as the “Golden Age Act of 2025,” has sparked discussions nationwide.
Let’s break down what this bill entails, who is behind it, and whether it stands a chance of becoming law.
What Is the Golden Age Act of 2025?
On Monday, Rep. Brandon Gill, a freshman congressman from Texas’ 26th District, introduced the “Golden Age Act of 2025.” The bill mandates that all $100 bills issued after December 31, 2028, must feature an image of Donald J. Trump on the front.
According to Gill’s press release, this move is intended to honor Trump’s contributions to the country. He describes the former president as someone who “took a bullet for this country” and is “working overtime to secure our border, fix our trade relationships, make America energy independent again, and put America first.”
Why Replace Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin has been the face of the $100 bill since 1914. He was one of America’s Founding Fathers, a diplomat, inventor, and key figure in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
However, Gill and his supporters argue that Trump deserves recognition on U.S. currency for his leadership and policies that they believe have ushered in a “golden age” for America. Supporters of the bill claim that featuring Trump on the $100 bill is a way to celebrate his impact, both in and out of office.
Critics, however, see this as a political move rather than a historical honor. Many argue that U.S. currency should remain free from modern political figures, particularly those who have served recently.
What Happens Next? The Path to Becoming Law
For this bill to become law, it must pass through several steps:
- House of Representatives: The bill needs majority approval in the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.
- Senate: If it passes the House, it moves to the Senate, where it must again receive enough votes.
- Presidential Approval: Finally, the bill would need to be signed into law by the sitting president.
This is a long and difficult process. According to Emory Law, only about 6% of all bills introduced in Congress actually become law. Many proposals are made for symbolic reasons rather than with the expectation of passing.
Video: Republican Lawmaker Brandon Gill Proposes Donald Trump For $100 Bill
Who Is Rep. Brandon Gill?
Brandon Gill is a rising conservative voice in Congress. Born on a U.S. Air Force base and raised on a cattle ranch in Texas, Gill later attended Dartmouth College before working on Wall Street as an investment banker. He eventually left finance to create the DC Enquirer, a conservative media outlet.
Gill’s political ideology aligns closely with the “America First” movement, and his bill reflects this stance. He believes honoring Trump in this way is a fitting tribute to his leadership.
What Are the Chances of the Bill Passing?
Realistically, the chances of this bill becoming law are slim. Even though Republicans control both the House and Senate, there is no guarantee they will prioritize a currency redesign over other legislative issues.
Additionally, there are historical and procedural obstacles. U.S. currency designs are determined by the Department of the Treasury, and changes typically require broad bipartisan support. Past attempts to modify bills—such as efforts to replace Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill—have stalled for years.
However, given Trump’s influence over the Republican Party, the bill may gain traction among his supporters. Even if it does not pass, it could serve as a symbolic gesture to rally his base.
Other Attempts to Memorialize Trump
This is not the first time Republican lawmakers have pushed to honor Donald Trump.
- In January 2025, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida introduced a bill proposing to carve Trump’s image into Mount Rushmore.
- Other efforts have included renaming highways, airports, and government buildings after Trump.
These proposals, like the $100 bill idea, tend to be met with fierce opposition from critics who argue that historical figures, rather than modern politicians, should be honored in this way.
Video: House Republican introduces measure to put Trump’s face on $100 bill
Public Reaction: A Nation Divided
As expected, the proposal has received mixed reactions.
✅ Supporters say:
- Trump deserves recognition for his policies and leadership.
- Replacing Franklin with Trump is a way to celebrate modern conservatism.
- The $100 bill is a symbol of American prosperity, which aligns with Trump’s business background.
❌ Opponents argue:
- U.S. currency should honor historical figures, not modern politicians.
- The bill is a political stunt rather than a serious proposal.
- Franklin’s contributions to America far outweigh Trump’s.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with heated debates over the bill, with both sides passionately defending their views.
Final Thoughts: Will Trump Be on the $100 Bill?
The “Golden Age Act of 2025” is unlikely to become law, but it has already achieved one goal—sparking a national conversation. While the bill has a long way to go before reaching the president’s desk, it reflects the deep political divide in the country and the ongoing debate over Trump’s legacy.
Whether or not Trump ever appears on the $100 bill, this proposal serves as yet another example of how deeply he has influenced American politics.
Would you support replacing Benjamin Franklin with Donald Trump? The debate is far from over.
