The United States State Department will issue a limited number of specially designed passports featuring an image of President Donald Trump, in a move linked to the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The commemorative passports, which will be available this summer on a restricted basis, will initially be issued only through in-person appointments at the Washington Passport Agency. According to a State Department official, the Trump-themed design will serve as the default option for applicants renewing their passports at that location, while standard passport designs will remain unchanged for online applications and other regional offices.

The design, shown in official mock-ups, features a stern portrait of President Trump superimposed over imagery of the Declaration of Independence, alongside his signature rendered in gold on the inside cover. A second version includes a historical illustration of the Founding Fathers. The back cover is expected to display artwork inspired by the Declaration of Independence painting by John Trumbull.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the initiative is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, adding that the passports would include “customised artwork and enhanced imagery while maintaining the same security features that make the U.S. passport the most secure document in the world.” Officials also stated the special edition would be offered at no additional cost, though the number of passports issued has not been disclosed.

The decision has triggered criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who accused the administration of politicising government institutions. Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee described the move as an indulgence of presidential vanity, arguing that federal resources should be directed towards more urgent foreign policy concerns.

Internationally, the inclusion of a sitting president’s image in a passport is highly unusual, particularly in democratic systems. Most countries that incorporate artwork into travel documents limit imagery to historical events, cultural symbols, or national landscapes. Even in states with strong personality cults, such as North Korea, leadership portraits are not typically featured in passports.

The announcement forms part of a broader pattern of Trump’s image appearing in official commemorative items linked to the 250th anniversary, including coins and national park passes. The administration has also expanded the use of his name across federal institutions and proposed its inclusion on currency, signalling a growing personal imprint on state symbols.

The rollout is expected to begin later this year, though eligibility will be limited and access restricted to specific application channels.

© Naya Daur