An image of former United States President, Donald Trump, is set to appear on a limited edition of US passports, marking a departure from long-standing tradition.
Officials disclosed on Tuesday that the special passports are being introduced to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
The US State Department said the commemorative passports would be produced in limited quantities, with a sample design already released showing Trump’s image superimposed on the historic document, alongside his signature.
A separate version of the passport reportedly features artwork depicting the country’s founding fathers.
A spokesperson for the department, Tommy Pigott, said the initiative is part of activities lined up for the anniversary celebrations scheduled for July.
According to another official, who spoke anonymously, the Trump-themed passports would only be available through in-person applications in Washington and would be issued at no additional cost, subject to availability.
It remains unclear whether applicants would have the option to decline the special design, particularly as most passport requests are processed through local offices that may not offer the edition.
The development has drawn criticism from members of the opposition Democratic Party, who faulted the move as unnecessary and politically motivated.
Lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee accused Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, of endorsing what they described as a misuse of public resources.
Traditionally, US passports feature historical imagery and national landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the moon landing, rather than portraits of serving leaders.
Analysts note that the inclusion of a sitting or recent leader’s image in travel documents is rare among democratic nations.
The move is seen as part of a broader pattern of branding government institutions with Trump’s name and image since his return to office.
Meanwhile, discussions around the initiative continue, with questions raised over its implications for governance norms and public perception.
