By Burnett Munthali
The United States is set to release commemorative passports featuring President Donald Trump’s image to mark the country’s 250th anniversary in July.
The new designs will be available for any American citizen applying for a passport when the rollout begins.
This move is part of broader efforts to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial, with Trump becoming the first living president to be featured in a US passport.
The commemorative passport will be the default document for those applying in person at the Washington Passport Agency, while standard passports will still be available online or outside Washington.
The limited release passport will feature Trump’s picture over a gold imprimatur of his signature on an interior page, while the cover will display “United States of America” in bold gold print at the top and “Passport” at the bottom – a reversal of the standard cover.
A small gold laminate American flag with the number 250 encircled by stars will be at the bottom of the back cover.
The State Department has confirmed that between 25,000 and 30,000 of these special passports will be available, starting shortly before July 4.
This initiative is another example of Trump’s efforts to increase his visibility, including adding his name to institutions like the US Institute of Peace building and the Kennedy Center.
The decision has sparked debate, with some critics viewing it as an attempt to capitalize on national pride for political gain.
The passports will maintain the same security features that make US passports among the most secure documents globally.
