A heated debate erupted among commentators during a CNN broadcast on Wednesday following an announcement by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the Trump administration will halt plans to feature abolitionist Harriet Tubman on the 20-dollar bill.
The discussion, hosted by anchor Abby Phillip, centered on which historical figures deserve representation on American currency after the administration shifted priorities away from the decade-old redesign initiative.
Panelists Divided on Currency Choices
Panelist Brianna Lyman defended the decision to keep Andrew Jackson on the bill, noting that the selection process for currency is highly limited.
"Look, you put faces on money to commemorate American icons," said Trump loyalist Brianna Lyman.
"There are only a limited number of bills, one, two, five, ten, 20, 100, fifty, so there has to be a very selective process."
Lyman added that Andrew Jackson saved the union during the Nullification Crisis, served as a war hero in 1815, and vetoed the second bank charter to limit elite power, prompting a direct question from the host regarding opposition to Tubman.
"What's the argument for Harriet Tubman?" asked Lyman.
The question drew a sharp reaction from the anchor, who questioned whether a historical overview was necessary to explain Tubman's significance.
"What's the argument for Harriet Tubman?" responded CNN anchor Abby Phillip.
"Do we have to do a history lesson?"
Phillip further argued that conservatives should favor Tubman because she was an everyday American hero and a gun-toting abolitionist.
"If you're a conservative, you should love Harriet Tubman," said Phillip. "She was a gun-toting abolitionist.
She was an everyday American hero."
Democratic strategist Mike Nellis joined the exchange, questioning proposals from some political circles regarding alternative currency representations.
"What's the argument for Donald Trump getting a $250 bill?" asked Democratic strategist Mike Nellis.
Nellis further emphasized that Tubman represents qualities distinct from Donald Trump by risking her life as a regular citizen.
"Harriet Tubman represents everything that Donald Trump is not, right?" said Nellis.
"There's somebody who put her body on the line, who was a regular person."
Lyman countered by pointing out the assassination attempt against the former president, which drew an exasperated reply from Nellis.
"Donald Trump was shot and nearly killed for trying to be president," said Lyman.
Nellis immediately rejected the comparison during the broadcast.
"Oh, stop, my god," said Nellis.
As the debate concluded, conservative radio host Jason Rantz offered an alternative compromise regarding the abolitionist's placement on U.
S. money.
"Put her on another bill," suggested conservative radio host Jason Rantz.
The program host concluded the segment with a final remark regarding the higher denomination mentioned earlier in the debate.
"Put her on the $250!" responded Phillip.
