Trump to Feature His Photo on US Passports

(Patria) - Officials have announced that Donald Trump's photo will soon appear on some US passports, breaking yet another norm as the president aggressively puts his personal stamp on government institutions, AFP reported.

The State Department, following reports from Fox News and The Bulwark, confirmed it will offer a limited-edition passport to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

The articles included two photos that will appear in the passport, one of Trump's official photos superimposed over the Declaration of Independence, with his signature, in gold, underneath. The other depicted a historical photo of the US Founders.

"As the United States celebrates America's 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to issue a limited number of specially designed US passports to mark this historic event," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on social media platform X, linking to a Fox News article.

Another State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the passports featuring Trump would only be available in Washington "while supplies last" and at no additional cost.

It was not immediately clear if passport applicants could opt out of the special edition.

There are few examples anywhere in the world, let alone in a democracy, of current leaders' photos appearing on passports, with most countries preferring to feature historical figures or nature.

Current US passports feature multiple scenes from the country's history, such as the moon landing, along with historic sites like the Statue of Liberty.

Since returning to office last year, Trump has placed his name and likeness on government institutions.

Several government buildings in Washington have featured presidential banners, and officials added his name to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the dismantled Institute of Peace.

Last month, the Treasury Department also announced that Trump's signature would soon begin appearing on the dollar bill, another first of its kind.

The United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries feature King Charles III, who is head of state without direct involvement in politics, on their currency.