President Donald Trump is yet again putting his personal brand on an official American institution. This time, the president’s image will appear on U.S. passports, a move that has never been done before in American history.
In an unprecedented move, Trump’s face will appear on limited-edition U.S. passports
The Bulwark first reported that two sources familiar with the Trump administration’s plans had informed the news organization that the State Department plans to print an image of Trump’s face on a “limited run” of new passports. The redesign, which is planned for 25,000 passports, will feature the image of Trump’s face from his second presidential portrait, superimposed on an image of the Declaration of Independence, on the inside cover of the new passport; it also includes a gold version of Trump’s signature. The redesign is being presented as a part of the July 4 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Georgetown University professor Edward Kolla told The Bulwark that putting Trump’s picture on passports was “wacky,” and adding a head of state’s image on a passport was unprecedented in modern American history and an unheard-of move for any country.
Online reaction has been mixed, with many people mocking or criticizing the Trump passports.
“Nothing will make traveling more fun than having to carry a photo of the most hated man on planet Earth,” comedian Mike Drucker posted on X, formerly Twitter.
After The Bulwark obtained a copy of the new passport image under the condition that it wouldn’t print the image, Fox News was provided with the first official look at the new passport design.
Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, told Fox News Digital, “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.”
Fox News politics editor Katelyn Caralle posted pictures of the new passport design, including the Trump image for the inside front cover and an image of the Founding Fathers that will be printed on the back inside cover of the passports, on X.
According to The Associated Press, the new passports will be available to applicants at the Washington, D.C., passport office before July 4.
Trump continues to brand U.S. institutions and celebrations with his name and image
The Trump administration and Fox News are presenting the Trump-branded passports as part of a larger set of “America250” anniversary celebrations, alongside events such as a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn in June and an August Grand Prix race in Washington, D.C.
A spokesperson for the Interior Department told Fox News Digital, “Under President Donald J. Trump, America’s 250th birthday will be marked by a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that encapsulates the American spirit — including a spectacular fireworks display at Mount Rushmore that honors our history at the monument that symbolizes those who built it.”
Trump has often mixed celebrating the United States with the celebration of himself. In 2025, he arranged for an elaborate military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, which marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army and was Trump’s 79th birthday. Trump’s organization of the military parade for his birthday prompted organizers to hold the first set of No Kings protests, which took place that day in cities and towns across the country except for Washington.
For the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding on July 4, Trump’s signature will be printed onto U.S. currency, the first time that an American president’s name has ever appeared on money. The members of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, who were appointed by Trump earlier this year, have also approved a commemorative gold coin with the president’s face for the July 4, 2026, anniversary. Trump appointees have engaged in other controversial branding exercises, such as adding his name to the Kennedy Center. Significant backlash and cancellations from artists and performers followed this action.
Despite the criticisms aimed at Trump, the president continues to use his position to add his personal brand to official U.S. government products, institutions and events. Now, for at least some Americans traveling abroad, their passports will feature Trump’s name and face.
