Replacing Benjamin Franklin—scientist, inventor, diplomat, founding father—with Donald Trump on the $100 bill isn't just politically problematic. It's aesthetically insulting, historically ignorant, and internationally humiliating.
What America Actually Values
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Founding Father, scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer
Chosen 84 years after death
Historical perspective achieved
Universally respected
No political controversy
Elegant, timeless design
Recognized worldwide
What Narcissism Looks Like
TRUMP'S FACE HERE
(Because that's what democracy needs...)
Donald Trump (b. 1946)
Still alive, still politically active, still controversial
Proposed while in office
Zero historical perspective
Maximally divisive
Most polarizing figure in modern politics
Design screams "ego trip"
International embarrassment guaranteed
No sugarcoating. Here's why this currency design is a disaster from every angle.
Let's be honest: Trump's face on currency would look tacky. The current $100 bill is a masterpiece of design—elegant, sophisticated, recognizable worldwide. Replacing Franklin's dignified portrait with Trump's spray-tanned visage would make our currency look like Monopoly money designed by a reality TV producer.
Blunt Assessment:
Currency design should exude gravitas, not gaudy self-promotion. This isn't a campaign poster—it's supposed to be money people trust. Trump's branding aesthetic is gold toilets and casinos, not dignified national currency.
Every person on U.S. currency earned their place through DECADES of historical evaluation. Washington (died 1799, on currency since 1869). Lincoln (died 1865, on currency since 1909). Franklin (died 1790, on $100 since 1914). Notice the pattern? Long dead. Historical consensus achieved. Universally respected.
Blunt Assessment:
Putting Trump on currency NOW—while alive, controversial, and facing legal issues—doesn't honor tradition. It destroys it. This is the equivalent of spray-painting your name on the Declaration of Independence.
The dollar is the world's reserve currency. People in Tokyo, London, Berlin, and São Paulo use dollars. Imagine their reaction when Trump's face replaces Franklin's. Foreign leaders and citizens would openly mock us. Late-night comedians worldwide would have material for years. Our currency would become an international punchline.
Blunt Assessment:
Trump is ALREADY one of the most ridiculed figures in international politics. Putting him on the $100 bill would permanently enshrine that ridicule in physical form. Every transaction would be a reminder that America chose narcissism over dignity.
Currency is supposed to symbolize trust, stability, and national unity. Trump's entire brand is personal enrichment and self-promotion. Putting his face on money would create the most on-the-nose metaphor for corruption imaginable. "Greed personified" isn't supposed to be LITERAL.
Blunt Assessment:
This is a man who slapped his name on everything from steaks to universities (that defrauded students). Now he wants it on the highest denomination commonly used. The symbolism is so blatant it's painful: "Even the money is about ME now."
Redesigning currency costs BILLIONS. New printing plates, security features, vending machines, ATMs, currency counters—all need updating. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing would need to retool everything. All to satisfy one man's ego while Americans struggle with inflation, healthcare costs, and infrastructure failures.
Blunt Assessment:
This is using YOUR tax dollars to create propaganda glorifying a politician. That money could fund schools, fix bridges, support veterans, or lower prescription drug costs. Instead? Trump's face on money. Priorities, America.
Real leaders don't lobby to put themselves on currency while alive. Washington REFUSED to be king. Lincoln preserved the Union and was assassinated. Franklin helped birth a nation through intellect and diplomacy. What do they have in common? None of them demanded monuments to themselves.
Blunt Assessment:
This Act reeks of insecurity masquerading as greatness. Truly accomplished people don't need to force their face onto money—history does it for them, posthumously, when their actual achievements warrant it. This is the political equivalent of buying yourself a trophy that says "World's Best Leader." It's not impressive. It's embarrassing.
Let's compare real American heroes to... this
Currently on $100 Bill
Proposed for $100 Bill
Franklin: Scientist, inventor, founding father, diplomat. Chosen for currency over a century after his death based on undeniable historical significance.
Trump: Reality TV host turned politician demanding his face on money while still breathing, controversial, and legally embattled.
This isn't about politics. It's about basic standards of decency, historical perspective, and not turning national currency into a personal branding exercise.
Stop This EmbarrassmentHere's how this currency redesign will be perceived internationally (spoiler: not well)
"Americans used to lecture us about democracy and rule of law. Now they're putting a living, legally troubled politician on their currency like some banana republic. The irony is breathtaking."
Expected Reaction: MOCKERY
"The dollar has been a symbol of American stability and economic power. Replacing Franklin with Trump signals weakness, not strength. Currency should transcend politics, not amplify division."
Expected Reaction: CONCERN
"We've seen this movie before. Populist leaders putting themselves on currency is a warning sign of democratic backsliding. We thought America was different. Guess not."
Expected Reaction: RECOGNITION
"America preaches democracy and then does this? It looks less like honoring a statesman and more like creating a cult of personality. That's our dictators' playbook, not theirs."
Expected Reaction: CONFUSION & RIDICULE
North Korea
Kim Jong-un
Venezuela
Maduro regime
Turkmenistan
Authoritarian rule
USA?
Join them?
Notice a pattern? These are authoritarian regimes with personality cults. Democracies don't do this. Is that the company America wants to keep?
Not with a bang, but with incremental normalization of authoritarian symbols. Today, it's a face on currency. Tomorrow, it's questioning elections. The day after, it's undermining institutions that check power.
The design isn't just ugly. It's a warning sign. And we need to stop it.