Here's what you need to know about TikTok's 'Deny, Defend, Depose' on dollar bills movement

A new TikTok trend has people scribbling “Deny, Defend, Depose” on dollar bills and filming it for the internet. The phrase, which first popped up late last year tied to a high-profile CEO’s killing, is back in the spotlight. But this time, it’s not on T-shirts or protest signs. It’s on cold, hard cash.

Here’s the deal. Users are writing the three words on bills, posting videos of the marked money, and encouraging others to do the same. The idea seems to be about spreading awareness of corporate greed, especially in industries like healthcare. But not everyone’s convinced this is the way to go.

Take it from a Reddit user who claims to be a senior bank teller. They warned that writing on currency could land people in hot water. Banks are required to pull defaced bills from circulation and report them to the Federal Reserve. That means your scribbled-on $20 might not just get rejected at the coffee shop. It could also trigger paperwork with your name on it. Businesses can legally refuse to take marked-up cash too.

Some netizens are calling the trend “cringe” or pointless. “Putting deny, defend, depose on a 20 dollar bill ain’t gonna do shit,” posted one user on X. Others are confused about how vandalizing money helps anyone. “How does this help fr?” asked another.

But supporters argue it’s about making a statement. The phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose” became infamous last December after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in Manhattan. Bullet casings found at the scene were engraved with similar words (“delay, deny, depose”), which some say mirror tactics insurers use to avoid paying claims. After the shooting, merch with the slogan flooded online stores, from hoodies to gun-themed decals.

In fact, this isn’t the only movement on TikTok aimed at big corporations and the right wing. Some TikTokers have even started a whole “cute winter boots” trend that you can read more about here.

Legal risks aside, the trend highlights how quickly online movements can morph. Last year’s merch rush capitalized on a viral news moment. This year, it’s a DIY protest on currency. Whether it’s activism or just another fleeting TikTok gag depends on who you ask.

For now, if you’re tempted to grab a sharpie and join in, maybe think twice. That bill could end up in a federal report instead of a tip jar. And as one Reddit user put it, “Showing support matters, but being smart about it also does.”