Who Is On The $20 Bill In 2025? The Surprising Truth Behind Andrew Jackson

In one of the most recognizable designs in American currency, the current $20 bill features Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, on the obverse. While ongoing discussions about potential redesigns frequently capture public attention, the portrait remains unchanged for the time being. This article examines the history of the note, the rationale for Jackson's selection in 1929, and the contemporary debates regarding his legacy that fuel calls for replacement.

Design and Current Features

As of 2025, the paper $20 bill entering circulation today displays the portrait of Andrew Jackson on the left side of the front (obverse). The Treasury Secretary and Treasurer of the United States signatures appear on the right. The back (reverse) of the note showcases the White House. While specific security features have been updated over the years—such as color-shifting ink, watermarks, and security threads—the portrait of Jackson has been the central design element since 1928.

A Historical Look at the Predecessors

The $20 bill has undergone several design changes throughout its history. Before Jackson's portrait was standardized on the note, other notable figures were featured. Understanding this lineage is key to understanding the significance of the current design.

Pre-1928 Designs

Long before the modern uniformed series, the $20 bill featured a variety of imagery and portraiture. In the 19th century, variations of the bill—then known as Gold Certificates and Silver Certificates—often included allegorical figures or monuments. For a brief period, versions of the $20 gold certificate featured a portrait of Grover Cleveland. However, the move toward a standardized federal reserve note design in the 1920s necessitated a more permanent image.

The Selection of Andrew Jackson

The choice to feature Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill was formalized with the introduction of the Federal Reserve Note in 1929. The decision was rooted in the historical context of the era and the symbolism associated with Jackson at the time.

Symbolism of the Era

During the late 1920s, the United States was looking to solidify a stable national identity in currency. Andrew Jackson, who served as president from 1829 to 1837, was a populist icon. He was known for championing the "common man" and for his role in paying off the national debt—the only U.S. president to do so. Placing his image on the currency was seen as a way to connect the federal government to a leader who had challenged the established financial elite.

The Push for Change

In recent decades, the portrayal of Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill has become a focal point of national conversation regarding historical legacy and representation. Critics argue that Jackson's policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and his practice of slavery, overshadow his populist appeal.

Advocacy for a New Portrait

Several movements have gained traction to replace Jackson with a figure who represents a broader scope of American ideals. One of the most notable efforts was led by the advocacy group "Women on 20s," which campaigned to replace Jackson with a woman in the early 2010s. The group argued that the exclusion of women from currency was a reflection of historical inequality. While their campaign did not result in an immediate redesign, it brought significant attention to the issue.

The Treasury's Response

In response to these calls, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in 2016 that it would redesign the $20 bill, $10 bill, and $5 bill to include prominent portraits of women and civil rights figures. The plan specified that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, while the back of the note would be redesigned to feature historical events involving civil rights.

Delays and the Current Status

Despite the 2016 announcement, the timeline for the redesign has faced significant delays. Originally slated for 2020, the release of the new note was pushed back due to security printing issues and shifting political priorities.

Statements from Officials

Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Millett stated in March 2025, "We are committed to issuing a redesigned $20 note as soon as security features are perfected. The delay is not a reflection of our commitment to historical representation, but a necessity to ensure the integrity of the currency against counterfeiting." This statement highlights the technical challenges involved in overhauling a widely circulated security feature.

What This Means for the Future

As of now, the portrait of Andrew Jackson remains the primary feature of the $20 bill. While the Treasury has affirmed the intention to introduce the new design featuring Harriet Tubman, the exact release date remains uncertain. Until the new bills enter circulation, the current design—with Jackson staring forward—remains the official legal tender.