Over the years, conversations about redesigning U.S. currency have sparked considerable interest, especially regarding who deserves to be represented on it. Among the most talked-about figures is Harriet Tubman, a formerly enslaved woman who became a leading abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad. For many Americans, putting her image on the $20 bill would be a powerful recognition of her historical importance. Yet, as of now, this symbolic change remains delayed. The journey of the Harriet Tubman $20 bill reflects political debates, administrative hurdles, and evolving national values about race, representation, and history.
Background on Harriet Tubman
Life and Legacy
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland. After escaping slavery herself, she risked her life repeatedly to guide others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She later served as a spy for the Union during the Civil War and worked tirelessly for women’s suffrage. Tubman has become an enduring symbol of courage, justice, and the fight for equality.
Why She Was Chosen
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the $20 bill. This decision was praised widely as a long-overdue recognition of an African American woman who made profound contributions to American history. Her selection symbolized a shift toward a more inclusive and representative vision of national identity.
The $20 Bill Redesign Announcement
Initial Plans Under the Obama Administration
Under Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, the Obama administration initiated plans to redesign the $20 bill to feature Tubman. The announcement in April 2016 proposed releasing the new design by 2020 to commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.
Public Reaction
The response was largely positive. Civil rights advocates, historians, and citizens from diverse backgrounds supported the change. For many, it marked progress toward correcting historical injustices and recognizing figures who had been left out of national narratives.
Delays and Political Controversy
Change of Plans Under the Trump Administration
In 2019, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced that the redesigned $20 bill would be delayed until at least 2028, citing security concerns and technical challenges. Critics argued that the delay was politically motivated, especially since President Trump had expressed admiration for Andrew Jackson and questioned the decision to remove him.
Public Backlash
The delay sparked renewed frustration and concern among those who saw the redesign as a step toward a more equitable and inclusive nation. Some believed that the postponement undermined efforts to acknowledge marginalized historical figures and contributed to a broader resistance to social progress.
Renewed Commitment Under the Biden Administration
Reviving the Initiative
In early 2021, the Biden administration signaled its intention to accelerate the redesign process. White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated that the Treasury Department was ‘taking steps to resume efforts’ to put Tubman on the $20 bill. This announcement brought renewed hope that the project would move forward.
Continuing Challenges
Despite the renewed focus, progress has been slow. Updating U.S. currency involves complex logistical and security considerations. The redesign process includes testing new anti-counterfeiting features and adjusting production schedules, which can span several years.
Design and Artistic Considerations
Proposed Design Features
The preliminary design included a portrait of Harriet Tubman on the front of the bill, replacing Andrew Jackson. Jackson, a controversial figure due to his policies on Native American removal and slavery, would be moved to the back of the bill in a reduced capacity.
Symbolic Impact
Putting Tubman on the $20 bill holds powerful symbolic value. It represents a redefinition of national heroes and a broader understanding of the American story. It also provides educational opportunities, especially for younger generations who may not know about Tubman’s achievements.
Why Representation on Currency Matters
Reflecting National Values
Currency serves more than an economic function it reflects a nation’s identity and values. Whose faces appear on money can send strong messages about whose contributions are honored and remembered. Including Harriet Tubman offers a chance to honor African American history and women’s contributions to American freedom and justice.
Historical Context of Currency Portraits
Traditionally, U.S. currency has featured male political and military leaders, most of them white. Adding Tubman would be a major departure from that trend, challenging outdated norms and embracing diversity and inclusion in American symbolism.
Current Status of the Harriet Tubman $20 Bill
As of Now
As of 2025, Harriet Tubman has not yet appeared on the $20 bill in circulation. While the Biden administration expressed support for the project, the official release date remains uncertain. The Treasury Department has not provided a definitive timeline for when the redesigned bill will be printed and distributed.
What to Expect
If the project continues, Tubman’s image may appear on currency in the coming years. The updated design is expected to include enhanced security features, and the production process will likely be gradual, starting with limited releases before full nationwide adoption.
Public Sentiment and Cultural Significance
Ongoing Public Support
Polls and public discussions suggest that many Americans still support the idea of honoring Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. Her story continues to inspire individuals across the country, and her recognition on currency is seen as a meaningful step toward social justice and historical acknowledgment.
Broader Movements for Representation
The debate around the Tubman $20 bill is part of a larger conversation about representation in public symbols, monuments, school curriculums, and media. Advocates argue that revisiting who we choose to honor can reshape national narratives and foster a more inclusive society.
Harriet Tubman’s image has yet to appear on the $20 bill, despite widespread support and official commitments. Her eventual placement would symbolize not only recognition of a heroic figure but also a broader transformation in how the United States honors its history. Although the redesign remains in progress, the idea has already influenced public consciousness and sparked important discussions about race, gender, and national memory. As the nation continues to reflect on who its true heroes are, the hope for a Harriet Tubman $20 bill remains alive, waiting for action to match the aspiration.