The United States is preparing to introduce a limited-edition passport design that will include an image of President Donald Trump, according to officials, in a move tied to celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence.
The development has attracted attention because it breaks with long-standing tradition, as it is highly unusual for any democratic country to feature a sitting leader’s image in national travel documents. If released, Trump would become the first sitting US president to appear in American passports.
The State Department explained that the special passport series is being created to honour the upcoming anniversary of the July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence.
A sample of the design shared by the department on social media shows a stern portrait of Trump placed over the text of the Declaration, with his signature rendered in gold beneath it.
Officials also revealed that an alternative commemorative version will include an illustration of the Founding Fathers instead of the presidential image.
“As the United States celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to release a limited number of specially designed US passports to commemorate this historic occasion,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Another official, who spoke anonymously, said the Trump-themed version would not be widely distributed, adding that it would only be available through in-person appointments in Washington and subject to availability.
The official also noted that the special passports would be issued at no additional cost to applicants.
