Trump unveils limited-edition US passport featuring his own image for America’s 250th anniversary
Special edition document marks milestone year with custom artwork
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has unveiled a rendering of a new limited-edition US passport featuring his own image as part of celebrations marking the country’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The commemorative travel document includes a portrait-style image of Trump, his signature and artwork linked to America’s founding history. The reveal has drawn attention as it marks the first time a sitting US president is set to appear in Americans’ travel documents.
Trump shared the passport mock-up on his Truth Social platform on Friday, describing it as “The U.S.A.’s New Passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!’” The image showed a stern-faced Trump leaning over the Resolute Desk, with the text of the Declaration of Independence displayed in the background.
The design appears to be based on a portrait taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok. Another page of the passport features a painting depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, alongside the words “United States of America 250”.
Patriotic Passport
The White House also shared the rendering on its social media channels under the title “PATRIOT PASSPORT”, presenting it as a commemorative edition created for the nation’s milestone anniversary.
The limited-edition passport was first announced in April by the US State Department as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations. Officials said the document would feature “custom artwork and enhanced images on the front, back, and inside covers”.
A previous rendering released by the State Department showed a different image of Trump inside the passport.
The latest version shared by the president appears to feature a portrait based on his image from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
The State Department had earlier said the commemorative passport would become available from July 6 and would only be issued through in-person appointments at the Washington Passport Agency while supplies remain available.
Limited release
The special passport will be available for eligible travellers renewing their documents in person at the Washington location, while online applications and other passport agencies will continue using the existing passport design.
Currently, the inside front cover of US passports features Percy Moran’s painting of Francis Scott Key after the bombardment of Fort McHenry, an event that inspired the lyrics of what became the US national anthem. Lines from “The Star-Spangled Banner” are also printed inside the passport.
The new design follows a series of moves by Trump to place his personal mark on government-related spaces and institutions. His administration has introduced presidential displays in several government buildings, while the Treasury Department has announced plans for his signature to appear on the US one-dollar bill.
Trump’s name was also briefly added to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before a court ruling ordered its removal. The commemorative passport design, however, would make him the first sitting US president featured in official American travel documents.