The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that it will issue a limited edition commemorative passport for the nation's 250th anniversary, featuring an image and signature of President Donald Trump. This marks the first time a living president has been depicted on a U.S. passport.
Details of the Commemorative Passport
- A total of 25,000 to 30,000 commemorative passports will be produced.
- They will be available at the Washington, D.C., passport office starting shortly before July 4, 2026.
- The commemorative version will be the default document for in-person applicants at the Washington office. Standard passports remain available for online applications or at offices outside Washington.
- The interior page includes Trump's picture with a gold imprint of his signature.
- The cover reverses the standard design, with "United States of America" in gold at the top and "Passport" at the bottom.
- The back cover features a small gold laminate American flag with the number 250 encircled by stars.
- State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the passport will maintain existing security features while adding customized artwork and enhanced imagery.
Background on Standard U.S. Passports
Current U.S. passports depict Mount Rushmore (featuring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln), the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and other national scenes. Passports also include quotes from Martin Luther King Jr. and several former presidents.
Reporting and Related Initiatives
The Bulwark first reported on the commemorative passport initiative. According to the report, there are concurrent efforts to add Trump's signature to all new U.S. paper currency and to include his image on a gold commemorative coin for the nation's founding. These steps are part of broader initiatives by Trump's aides to increase presidential visibility on official items. Other reported initiatives include naming the U.S. Institute of Peace building and the Kennedy Center performing arts venue after Trump, as well as plans for a new White House ballroom and a large arch at a Washington entrance from Virginia.