A coalition of Democratic senators has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to abandon a proposal to incorporate President Donald Trump's likeness into U.S. passports as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Letter Expresses Deep Concern
In a letter spearheaded by Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the lawmakers voiced their alarm over the State Department's reported intention to produce a restricted run of specially designed U.S. passports showcasing an image of President Trump. "The U.S. passport has never—and should not now—feature an image of a sitting U.S. president," the letter stated. "We ask you to halt these plans given the anti-democratic impact this decision will have."
The senators underscored that no other nation places the portrait of a current leader in its passport, including authoritarian regimes. "Even the most authoritarian and autocratic governments have avoided equating national identity to the sitting president in such a way," they added.
Background of the Proposal
Last month, the State Department unveiled plans to release special, limited-edition passports to mark the semiquincentennial. A preview of the new passport revealed the president's face superimposed on the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by a gold rendition of Trump's signature. The Independent has sought comment from the State Department.
Pattern of Trump Imagery on Official Items
President Trump and his supporters have demonstrated a notable enthusiasm for placing his face and signature on various official documents, currency, and landmarks. In March, the Treasury Department announced that the president's signature would appear on U.S. banknotes alongside that of the Treasury Secretary—a first for a sitting president.
There are also proposals to feature Trump's face on a commemorative gold coin, although the design may not be finalized in time for the July 4, 2026, bicentennial, according to U.S. Mint filings obtained by Newsweek.
Additionally, America the Beautiful national park passes have begun displaying the president's face as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Broader Efforts to Honor Trump
Allies of the president have advocated for adding Trump's face to Mount Rushmore, renaming Washington Dulles International Airport after him, and designating his birthday as a national holiday. The Trump administration has also erected large banners featuring his image on federal agency buildings in Washington, drawing criticism that one such banner on the Justice Department headquarters resembled propaganda from North Korea.
President Trump himself has pushed to affix his name more permanently to Washington landmarks, notably the Kennedy Center. In his home state of Florida, lawmakers voted to rename Palm Beach International Airport in his honor.
