Plans to feature Harriet Tubman on U.S. currency have encountered significant delays since they were first introduced by the Obama administration a decade ago. Tubman, a prominent abolitionist known for her pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, was slated to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. However, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, this redesign was halted and subsequently abandoned.
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The announcement regarding Tubman’s inclusion on the $20 note was made in 2016 by Jack Lew, then Secretary of the Treasury. He revealed the design would not only honour Tubman as the first woman to be depicted on an American bill but also as the first Black individual to grace U.S. currency. Tubman famously led approximately 70 enslaved people to freedom through her work on the Underground Railroad and later served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. Following the abolition of slavery, she dedicated herself to advocating for women’s suffrage.
The original plan aimed for the redesigned bill to be released by 2020. Yet, the Trump administration delayed the project, first extending the timeline to 2026, later citing the necessity for advanced anti-counterfeiting measures as a rationale for the postponement. Trump’s criticism of the Tubman initiative was evident during his 2016 presidential campaign when he dismissed it as an example of “pure political correctness.” He proposed instead that Tubman’s image be featured on a different denomination.
After President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, there were indications that reviving the Tubman project would be a priority for his administration. Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki noted that the Treasury Department was taking steps to return to the efforts of putting Tubman on the $20 bill. However, the anticipated timelines have been pushed back once again, with the target date now set for 2030.
The contrast between the Tubman redesign and provisions for a new $250 bill featuring Donald Trump’s image is stark. The proposed bill, intended to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, received swift approval from the Trump administration and could be produced swiftly if it gains congressional endorsement. The rationale and financial implications for this new currency have yet to be clarified.
As of now, there seems to be no progress on the Tubman bill design. Spectrum News recently reached out to Scott Bessent, who served as Trump’s Treasury secretary, for an update on the Tubman redesign. His response was vague, stating, “We are not at the present,” indicating a lack of activity on that front without providing additional insights.
The enduring legacy of Harriet Tubman continues to inspire discussions surrounding representation and recognition in American history. As the debate over the redesign of the $20 bill lingers, it reflects a broader conversation about how the United States acknowledges its past. The decision to keep Andrew Jackson, a president with pro-slavery views, on the note has drawn criticism, symbolising a reluctance to embrace progressive change.
As the timeline for the Tubman bill stretches into 2030, advocates for the project remain hopeful. They argue that honouring Tubman in this way would not only acknowledge her monumental contributions but also serve as a crucial step towards rectifying historical narratives that have often overlooked the achievements of Black women in America.
The juxtaposition of Tubman’s historic significance against the backdrop of contemporary political figures like Trump also raises questions about values and priorities in American society. As discussions surrounding the currency redesign continue, they are emblematic of a nation grappling with its conscience and the need for evolution in representation on a tangible level.