Trump Puts His Own Face on US Passports as America Marks 250 Years

The United States government has released a special commemorative passport bearing the image of President Donald Trump, timed to coincide with America's 250th independence anniversary. The new design includes a photograph of Trump seated at the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence visible in the background, alongside his personal signature.

According to the US State Department, the passports will be made available from 6 July, though only in limited quantities. Americans wishing to obtain one cannot apply online or by post — they must book an in-person appointment at the passport agency in Washington DC. A small number of designated acceptance events are also being organised, with only two currently listed on the department's website, both located at the Washington Passport Agency.

The White House promoted the document on social media, referring to it as a "patriot passport." Trump himself announced it on his Truth Social platform, writing that the passport says "Welcome, but be good!" — though that phrase does not appear in any of the passport page images he shared.

First Living President on a US Passport

Historians and observers have noted this marks the first time a sitting or living US president has appeared on an American passport. Standard US passports currently feature historical scenes such as the Moon landing, as well as national symbols like the Statue of Liberty.

The commemorative passport is part of a broader pattern of Trump stamping his name and image on American institutions and official documents. The US Mint has also announced a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump as part of the 250th anniversary, and he is set to become the first sitting president to have his signature printed on American banknotes.

Trump has also pursued other legacy-marking efforts in Washington DC, including attaching his name to the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts — a move that was later reversed — and unveiling plans for a large triumphal arch in the capital modelled after Paris's Arc de Triomphe.