The Trump administration has paused plans to place abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the U.S. $20 bill, ending—for now—a project first announced during the Obama administration and later revived under President Joe Biden. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the Treasury Department is not currently moving forward with the redesign, leaving the future of the long-delayed initiative uncertain.
According to a report by The Daily Record, citing Reuters reporting, Bessent said the Treasury Department is “not at present” planning to continue the Harriet Tubman $20 bill project. The department did not provide additional details on whether the proposal could be revived in the future.
What Happened?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed during an interview with Spectrum News that the Treasury Department is no longer pursuing plans to replace former President Andrew Jackson’s portrait on the $20 bill with Harriet Tubman.
When asked whether the redesign remained part of the department’s plans, Bessent replied simply, “We are not at present.”
A Treasury Department spokesperson declined to expand on the secretary’s comments.
The announcement effectively pauses a project that has been under discussion for nearly a decade.
History of the Harriet Tubman $20 Bill
Obama Administration Introduced the Proposal
The proposal originated in 2016, when then-Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill.
The decision followed extensive public input and was intended to recognize Tubman’s extraordinary role as an abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, and advocate for freedom.
If completed, Tubman would become the first Black American to appear on the front of U.S. paper currency.
Trump Previously Opposed the Redesign
During his 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump criticized the proposal, describing it as an example of “political correctness.”
At the time, Trump suggested that Tubman could instead appear on another denomination, such as the $2 bill.
No significant progress was made on the redesign during Trump’s first administration.
The Biden administration later revived the initiative, with former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen estimating that the redesigned $20 bill would not enter circulation until approximately 2030 because of the extensive anti-counterfeiting features required for new U.S. currency.
Treasury Explains the Delay
Currency Redesign Takes Years
Bessent said redesigning existing U.S. banknotes is a lengthy process that requires years of planning and security development.
He contrasted the paused $20 bill project with recent discussions surrounding a proposed $250 commemorative bill featuring President Donald Trump.
According to Bessent, creating a new commemorative denomination would require congressional approval because current law prohibits depicting living individuals on U.S. currency.
He added that redesigning existing denominations follows an entirely different and more complex process.
The discussion comes as the administration continues preparations for events tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration, which has inspired several commemorative proposals.
Political Reactions
The Harriet Tubman $20 bill has remained politically divisive since it was first announced.
Supporters argue the redesign would appropriately recognize one of America’s most influential abolitionists and civil rights figures.
Critics have questioned replacing Andrew Jackson on the nation’s most widely circulated banknote and have argued that currency redesigns should focus primarily on security improvements rather than symbolic changes.
The decision also aligns with broader policy shifts under the Trump administration affecting federal priorities and other domestic policy initiatives involving executive decision-making.
What Happens Next?
The Treasury Department has not announced whether the Harriet Tubman $20 bill project has been permanently canceled or merely delayed.
Without an active redesign process, there is currently no timetable for introducing a new $20 note featuring Tubman.
Future administrations could choose to revive the proposal, although any redesigned currency would still require years of planning, testing, and implementation before entering circulation.
For now, Andrew Jackson will remain on the front of the $20 bill while the long-running debate over the future of American currency design continues.
Currently, no. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Treasury Department is not moving forward with the Harriet Tubman $20 bill project at this time
The Treasury Department cited the lengthy process required to redesign U.S. currency, including advanced anti-counterfeiting measures, while also indicating that the project is not currently a priority