A Texas Republican has unveiled a proposal to replace Benjamin Franklin’s iconic image on the $100 bill with that of President Donald Trump. Rep. Brandon Gill, a freshman lawmaker from Texas’ 26th Congressional District, introduced the legislation—dubbed the “Golden Age Act of 2025″—on Monday, aiming to honor Trump’s legacy as he serves his second term in office.

“President Trump could be enjoying his golden years golfing and spending time with his family,” Gill said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Instead, he took a bullet for this country and is now working overtime to secure our border, fix our uneven trade relationship with the rest of the world, make America energy independent again, and put America first by ending useless foreign aid.”

The Golden Age Act calls for the U.S. Treasury Department to unveil a preliminary design featuring Trump by December 31, 2026, with the new $100 notes slated to enter circulation by 2029—after Trump’s current term concludes. Gill’s proposal frames the change as a symbolic nod to what he predicts will be a transformative four years under Trump’s leadership.

This isn’t the first attempt by congressional Republicans to immortalize Trump on U.S. currency. Just last week, South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson introduced a separate bill to create a new $250 bill adorned with Trump’s likeness, citing “Bidenflation” as a reason for needing a higher denomination. Wilson’s proposal, backed by three other House conservatives, mirrors Gill’s in its intent to celebrate Trump but differs in its approach by suggesting an entirely new note rather than replacing an existing one.

However, Gill’s plan faces significant hurdles. Current U.S. law prohibits living individuals from appearing on currency—a rule established in 1866 following public backlash over a Treasury official’s portrait on a 5-cent note. For Trump’s face to grace the $100 bill, Congress would need to amend this long-standing statute, a move unlikely to garner bipartisan support in a deeply divided House. With Republicans holding a slim majority, the bill would require near-unanimous GOP backing to pass before even reaching the Senate, where its fate would be uncertain.

The choice of Benjamin Franklin as the figure to replace has also raised eyebrows. Franklin, a Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat, has adorned the $100 bill since 1914, earning the nickname “Benjamins” in popular culture. His contributions to American independence, science, and education stand in contrast to Trump’s polarizing political career, prompting critics to question the swap. “Franklin helped build this nation from the ground up,” one observer noted on social media. “This feels more like a fan club stunt than a serious legislative idea.”

Public reaction has been predictably mixed. Supporters, including former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, have cheered the proposal, with Conway posting on X: “All about the Dons: House GOP bill would put Trump’s face on $100 note. Give me a thumbs up if you are in support of this.” Others, however, see it as a distraction from pressing issues. One X user lamented, “Congressman ignores poverty, high prices, crime, homelessness, hunger, huge debt… but $100 bill is his focus. Seems everyone is a bit insane.”

The proposal comes amid broader efforts by Republicans to honor Trump since his return to the White House. Alongside currency initiatives, New York Representative Claudia Tenney recently introduced a bill to designate Trump’s birthday as a federal holiday. Political analysts suggest these moves reflect Trump’s enduring influence within the GOP, with lawmakers vying to align themselves with his agenda—and his favor.

For now, the Golden Age Act remains a long shot. Changing U.S. currency designs is a rare and arduous process; the last major shift occurred in 1929 when Andrew Jackson replaced Grover Cleveland on the $20 bill. More recent efforts, such as the Obama administration’s plan to feature Harriet Tubman on the $20 note, have stalled despite years of discussion. Whether Trump’s face will join the ranks of Washington, Lincoln, and Franklin—or remain a novelty on unofficial memorabilia—hinges on a legislative battle that’s only just begun.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)