Trump unveils US passport featuring his image

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday revealed a rendering of a limited-edition American passport being issued to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence, with the design prominently featuring his image.

Trump shared the mock-up on his Truth Social platform and wrote: "The USA’s new passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!’"

The rendering shows a stern-looking Trump leaning on his desk, alongside his signature, with the text of the Declaration of Independence in the background. The image appears to be based on a portrait taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok.

The facing page carries a painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, along with the words United States of America 250. The White House also posted the same rendering and described it as a Patriot passport.

Commemorative rollout

The State Department had previously said a commemorative passport with custom artwork would be available from July 6. The department did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the rendering was released.

In April, a State Department official said the Trump-themed passports would only be available through in-person appointments in Washington and only while supplies last.

Part of broader branding push

Trump has moved aggressively to leave a personal imprint on government institutions. Banners bearing the president’s image have been flown outside several government buildings, while the Treasury Department has said his signature will soon appear on the one-dollar bill.

Trump had also added his name to the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, though a court later ruled that it should be removed.

With the new commemorative document, Trump will become the first sitting US president to appear in Americans’ travel documents.