Washington: The United States will introduce a limited-edition passport featuring President Donald Trump, officials confirmed on Tuesday, marking a significant departure from longstanding diplomatic and administrative norms.
The State Department said the special passport will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. It added that the design aims to highlight the historic milestone rather than serve a political purpose.
Moreover, officials released sample images showing Trump’s portrait placed over the Declaration of 1776, accompanied by his signature in gold. A second version features artwork depicting the Founding Fathers. According to the department, the passports will be available in limited numbers through in-person appointments in Washington and will not carry additional fees.
However, the initiative has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Democratic members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused the administration of politicising government institutions and questioned the decision to include a sitting president’s image on official travel documents.
Additionally, critics noted that most countries avoid featuring current political leaders in passports, reserving such imagery for historical or cultural symbols. Even nations with strong personality-driven leadership structures typically avoid this practice in official travel documents.
Meanwhile, the State Department defended the initiative, stating that participation would be optional, although it remained unclear whether applicants could decline the design if selected.
Since returning to office, Trump has increasingly placed his name and image on federal properties and initiatives, further intensifying debate over the blending of political branding and state functions.
