Trump set to become first living president on US passport for America’s 250th anniversary

The US State Department on Tuesday said it is preparing a limited release of commemorative passports to mark America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a picture of President Donald Trump. If issued, this would be the first time a living US president appears in the travel document. The passports are expected to be available in limited numbers at the Washington, D.C., passport office shortly before July 4.

The department has approved the design after months of consideration. Between 25,000 and 30,000 passports will be issued. These will be given by default to applicants applying in person in Washington, while standard passports will remain available through online applications and other locations.

“As the United States celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to release a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports to commemorate this historic occasion,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. “These passports will feature customized artwork and enhanced imagery while maintaining the same security features that make the U.S. passport the most secure documents in the world,” he said.


The special passport will include Trump’s image along with a gold imprint of his signature on an interior page. The cover design will differ from the standard version, with “United States of America” printed in gold at the top and “Passport” at the bottom. The back cover will carry a gold American flag with the number 250 encircled by stars.

The move is part of a series of efforts linked to adding Trump’s name and image to official and public spaces. Proposals have also been discussed to place his signature on US paper currency and to issue a gold commemorative coin marking the country’s founding.

At present, US passports feature historical figures and national symbols. A double-page image of Mount Rushmore shows Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Other pages include the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and quotes from leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and former presidents.

The inclusion of Trump’s image in the passport is the latest step by his aides to expand his public visibility. Similar efforts include adding his name to buildings such as the US Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center, along with plans for new structures in Washington, including a White House ballroom and an arch at a city entrance.