The face of American money has always carried enormous symbolic weight. From George Washington on the $1 bill to Abraham Lincoln on the $5, each design reflects the nation’s history and values. But a new proposal has stirred intense debate: replacing Benjamin Franklin with former President Donald Trump on the $100 bill. This controversial move, introduced in March 2025, is officially known as the “Golden Age Act of 2025”—and it’s already ignited conversations across the country.
What Is the Golden Age Act of 2025?
The bill was introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill, a freshman Republican lawmaker from Texas. If passed, it would require that all $100 bills printed after December 31, 2028, feature Donald J. Trump’s portrait instead of Benjamin Franklin’s.
According to Gill’s press release, the legislation is designed to honor Trump’s legacy and his “contributions to America’s golden age.” He pointed to Trump’s policies on border security, trade, and energy independence as justification for the change. Supporters claim the bill is not just about design—it’s about recognizing a political era they believe defined a turning point in American history.
Video: Republican Lawmaker Brandon Gill Proposes Donald Trump For $100 Bill
Why Replace Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin has graced the $100 bill for over a century. As a Founding Father, diplomat, inventor, and statesman, Franklin’s legacy is deeply tied to America’s birth and growth.
Critics of the new proposal argue that removing Franklin undermines historical continuity. To them, Trump is too recent and too divisive to be immortalized on currency. Yet Gill and his allies see Trump’s leadership as worthy of recognition. For them, replacing Franklin is less about erasing history and more about celebrating modern conservatism and Trump’s role in shaping it.
The Path to Becoming Law
Bills like this face a steep climb. For the “Golden Age Act of 2025” to succeed, it must:
- Pass the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a narrow majority.
- Clear the Senate, where bipartisan support is less certain.
- Receive approval from the sitting president.
Historically, fewer than 10% of proposed bills make it into law, and redesigning currency often involves additional hurdles, including approval from the Department of the Treasury. Past attempts to change U.S. currency—like the proposal to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill—have been delayed for years.
Who Is Rep. Brandon Gill?
Brandon Gill is not just a politician but a rising conservative voice. Raised on a Texas cattle ranch and educated at Dartmouth, Gill built a career on Wall Street before founding the DC Enquirer, a right-leaning media outlet. His background in finance and media has shaped his brand as a bold advocate for the “America First” agenda. Introducing this bill is consistent with his mission to align government symbols with modern conservative values.
The Chances of Success
While Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains strong, experts suggest the odds of this bill becoming law are slim. The Treasury Department tends to resist political redesigns of currency, preferring figures with historical distance. Critics argue that honoring living or recently active political figures risks politicizing a tradition meant to unite, not divide.
Still, even if the bill never passes, it may achieve another goal: rallying Trump’s supporters and cementing his continued influence in American politics.
Other Efforts to Honor Trump
This isn’t the first time Republicans have tried to honor Trump with national symbols. Earlier in 2025, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida proposed adding Trump’s likeness to Mount Rushmore. Other ideas have included renaming airports, highways, and even federal buildings. While most of these proposals face strong resistance, they reflect Trump’s lasting hold on segments of the GOP and his supporters’ determination to enshrine his legacy.
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
Unsurprisingly, reactions to the proposal have been deeply polarized.
Supporters argue that:
- Trump deserves recognition for reshaping U.S. policy.
- The $100 bill, associated with prosperity, is a fitting tribute to his business background.
- It’s time to update currency to reflect modern leaders.
Opponents counter that:
- Franklin’s legacy as a Founding Father far outweighs Trump’s recent role.
- Currency should remain free of contemporary political battles.
- The bill is more of a publicity stunt than a serious legislative effort.
Social media has amplified the divide, with hashtags trending on both sides. Memes, heated debates, and late-night jokes have ensured the issue stays in the spotlight, whether people support the change or oppose it.
Why This Debate Matters
Video: House Republican introduces measure to put Trump’s face on $100 bill
At its core, the proposal is less about paper money and more about the fight over cultural memory. Who deserves to be remembered? Which leaders define American greatness? Currency isn’t just about transactions—it’s about storytelling. By suggesting Trump replace Franklin, lawmakers are attempting to rewrite part of that story.
Conclusion: A Symbolic Battle Over Legacy
The “Golden Age Act of 2025” is unlikely to pass, but it highlights just how divided the United States remains over Donald Trump’s legacy. To his supporters, he’s a transformative leader worthy of being immortalized on the nation’s most powerful bill. To his critics, the idea is premature, politically charged, and dismissive of America’s founding heritage.
Whether or not the $100 bill ever bears Trump’s face, the debate itself reveals something bigger: America is still grappling with how to define its history, its values, and the leaders it chooses to honor.
