US Congressman wants Trump on a $250 bill – but in China, that’s the ultimate insult

On 26 February, Joe Wilson, a Republican congressman from South Carolina, announced he was drafting legislation to create the new banknote, arguing: “Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash. Let’s make the most valuable bill for the most valuable president!”

Unfortunately for Wilson, his grand tribute to Trump has backfired hilariously in China, where netizens can’t stop giggling at the number’s unlucky meaning.

A per a report in South China Morning Post, explaining his latest proposal, Wilson wrote: “Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash. Let’s make the most valuable bill for the most valuable president!”

The US Secretary of the Treasury has the final say over which figures appear on the country’s banknotes. Current laws prohibit the depiction of living individuals.

A mock-up of the proposed banknote, circulating online, features Trump’s face prominently. However, as of writing, Trump has not responded to the proposal.

Wilson’s post has received mixed reactions on social media.

One comment, which gained 17,000 likes, read: “Fun, but no thanks. I voted for Trump, but are there not more pressing issues at hand?”

A supporter countered: “President Trump deserves to be remembered in history! I would happily spend bills with his face on them.”

However, it was a comment from a Chinese netizen that drew particular attention: “In China, 250 has a very interesting meaning. You would not want to know it. I hope you never do.”

Why ‘250’ is a joke in China

In Chinese slang, the number “250” (èr bǎi wǔ) is commonly used to describe someone as foolish, stubborn, or reckless.

One theory traces this back to the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), when four men falsely claimed to have killed statesman Su Qin to collect a 1,000-gold reward. They demanded to split the reward evenly, taking 250 each – which enraged the king and led to their execution. Since then, “250” has been used to mock greedy and stubborn individuals.

Another explanation comes from ancient Chinese currency. In those times, 1,000 copper coins were strung together to form a diao for easier use. A half diao (500 coins), known as ban diao zi, referred to someone with limited knowledge or skill. Since 250 is less than half, it came to symbolise foolishness.

Wilson’s proposal has amassed over 14 million views on Chinese social media, with many finding it unintentionally comical.