The 'Change Corruption Act' Bans All Living and Sitting Presidents from U.S. Currency

The aptly named “Change Corruption Act” kicks off with a provision that has absolutely nothing to do with financial corruption, but everything to do with symbolism. Section 2 of this bill makes it illegal for the United States to issue any currency—that’s bills or coins—that features the likeness of a President who is currently alive or currently serving in office. Essentially, if you haven't passed away, you can’t be on the money.

The Dead Presidents Club: Membership Rules

This provision solidifies a practice that has generally been followed but was never strictly mandated by law: only honoring deceased figures on our money. The rule is simple and absolute: no living or sitting President can be pictured on new currency. For the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, this clarifies the design pool, simplifying the process by removing any political debate over which contemporary leader should be honored. It keeps the focus squarely on historical figures, ensuring that any President featured has already completed their service and their legacy has been established.

Why the Symbolic Move?

While the bill is titled the “Change Corruption Act,” this specific section is purely symbolic, focusing on national iconography rather than financial malfeasance. It prevents the kind of political controversy that might arise if a sitting President were to appear on currency, avoiding the appearance of self-aggrandizement. It’s a clean break from any potential future scenario where a sitting leader might try to use the nation’s currency as a personal monument. For the average person, this means no change to the money currently in your wallet, but it sets a firm boundary for future currency designs, reinforcing the idea that money should honor history, not current politics.

The Cost of Symbolism

Because this is a clear prohibition (Vagueness Level: Low), there are no immediate logistical nightmares for the Treasury, as no living President is currently on U.S. currency. However, if the government had any plans to honor a living former President on a commemorative coin or bill series—a common practice in other countries—those plans would now be illegal. The biggest impact is on the symbolic power of the office itself, restricting the government’s ability to honor contemporary leaders in this specific way. It’s a restriction on executive honorifics, ensuring that the highest honor the nation can bestow on its currency is reserved for those whose full story has already been told.