The White House has revealed new images of a limited-edition US passport featuring President Donald Trump's portrait, part of efforts to brand the government with his name and image ahead of America's 250th anniversary. Dubbed the "patriot passport" by the administration, the document includes a three-quarter-length portrait of Trump leaning over the Resolute Desk, taken by White House photographer Daniel Torok. The image replaces an earlier stern headshot and also hangs in the Smithsonian America's Presidents exhibition.
Passport Design and Features
The State Department stated that the commemorative passport was created "to commemorate the historic occasion of America's 250th anniversary" and will be issued at the Washington Passport Agency starting July 6, 2026, while supplies last. The passport's artwork features Trump's portrait surrounded by text from the Declaration of Independence, with his signature and "United States of America" underneath. The facing page depicts the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration, based on John Trumbull's painting at the Yale University Art Gallery. A "Freedom 250" gold flag adorns the back cover; Trump's signature appears in black, with "250" in gold.
Democratic Criticism and Coin Controversy
The plans have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) called on the administration to halt production of a companion commemorative solid-gold coin featuring the same Trump portrait and the phrase "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT," referencing his response to an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, nearly two years ago. The senators argued that the coin project should be dropped amid reports that some gold used by the US Mint came from countries where gold is mined illegally. "At the very least, the mint should ensure that a coin intended to honor the nation's 250th anniversary is not made of gold linked to exploitation and criminal activity," they said, adding that the coin "is more befitting a monarchy than a democracy." California Governor Gavin Newsom also mocked the passport plan with a mock-up of a gold-hued driver's license featuring his own face.
Context and Rollout
On Truth Social, President Trump introduced the passport as "The U.S.A.'s New Passport, which says, 'Welcome, but be good!'" The State Department had initially announced a commemorative passport in April, but the final design features different artwork. The limited-edition passport is part of a broader series of commemorative items for the 250th anniversary, which have sparked debate over the use of Trump's image on official government materials.
