Treasury Department Abandons Plans for Harriet Tubman on $20 Bill

The U.S. Treasury Department has abandoned plans to feature Harriet Tubman on the redesigned $20 bill, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed Monday. In response to a query from Spectrum News, Bessent stated the Trump administration is “not at present” pursuing the initiative, which had been previously advanced under the Obama administration. The reversal marks a shift from earlier commitments to update the currency with historical figures, particularly those representing diversity and civil rights milestones.

The Obama-era plan, announced in 2016, aimed to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with Tubman, a prominent abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor, by the centennial of the 19th Amendment. The redesign process, delayed by political and logistical challenges, faced further uncertainty under subsequent administrations. Bessent’s remarks indicate a current prioritization of other fiscal initiatives, though the Treasury has not outlined specific alternatives for the $20 bill’s design.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with advocates for historical representation expressing disappointment. The Hill, which sought comment from the Treasury, has yet to receive a formal response. As the debate over historical recognition in currency continues, the outcome underscores the influence of political transitions on long-term public projects.