Trump's Portrait to Appear on Limited Edition US Passports
The United States government will issue a limited series of passports displaying a portrait of President Donald Trump, according to confirmation from the White House.
Initially reported by Fox News, these passports are part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Declaration of Independence scheduled for July.
An official from the administration informed the BBC that the new passport designs will be accessible to "any American citizen" who applies for a passport once the rollout begins, continuing availability as long as supplies last.
These commemorative passports will be exclusively obtainable at the Washington Passport Agency.
The US State Department released a rendering of the passport, which features an image of President Trump encircled by the text of the Declaration of Independence and the American flag, complemented by the president's signature in gold.
"President Trump's new patriotic passport design provides yet another great way Americans can join in the spectacular celebrations for America's 250th birthday," a White House spokesperson told the BBC.
"Between the UFC250 Fight, the Great American State Fair, Freedom250 Grand Prix, and this new passport celebrating our freedom, President Trump continues to proudly lead a renewal of national pride and patriotism during our historic semiquincentennial celebration," they added.
Currently, US passports feature historical scenes such as the Moon landing and iconic American symbols including the Statue of Liberty.
It remains unclear whether US citizens will have the option to decline the special edition passport.
Broader Efforts to Associate Trump with National Celebrations
The commemorative passport represents the latest initiative by the administration to link President Trump's name and image with various government programs and public landmarks.
Recently, the US Mint announced plans to produce a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump as part of the 250th anniversary festivities. Additionally, President Trump is poised to become the first sitting US president to have his signature appear on US banknotes.
The Kennedy Center's board voted to rename the performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center in the president's honor, a decision that was criticized by members of the late President John F. Kennedy's family.
In early April, the White House revealed plans for a gold-accented monumental victory arch, dubbed the "Arc de Trump." A federal panel has granted preliminary approval for the 250-foot (76-meter) structure in Washington, DC, despite widespread negative responses from the public and preservationist organizations.
President Trump has also made a lasting impact on the White House itself by demolishing the East Wing to facilitate construction of a ballroom.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has filed a lawsuit against the White House, alleging that construction commenced before the submission of plans to the National Capital Planning Commission.
