US President Donald Trump has become the center of a new controversy after reports that his photo may appear in a redesigned US passport. This move would break with long-standing global practice.The US State Department is working on a limited-edition passport that will include Trump’s photo on the inside cover, according to a report by Bulwark. The image is said to be taken from his second inaugural photo and was placed above the Declaration of Independence, along with the president’s signature in gold.If approved, this will be the first time that a US president’s photo has been included in his passport.
No modern US passport has ever carried a photo of a president, and such a feature is also absent on passports issued by other countries.Opposition leaders criticized this proposal. Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamurthy said, “Putting Donald Trump’s face on American passports is ridiculous.” He added: “These documents represent the American people, not the paranoia of one man.”Traditionally, US passports are issued in the name of the Secretary of State, not the President.
Previous issues bore the signatures of those responsible for the issue, but not pictures of political leaders.The redesign plan is linked to the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Other changes are also being considered, including coins bearing Trump’s image and updated designs for government materials.Under the proposal, the back cover of the passport would feature a more traditional patriotic image and a detail from a famous painting of the Declaration of Independence.
However, the new edition is expected to be produced in limited numbers, with only 25,000 copies planned rather than a full launch.The current passport design was introduced in 2021 and includes key moments and symbols from American history. It includes a photo of Francis Scott Key observing the bombing of Fort McHenry, as well as verses from the US national anthem. The back cover bears images of space exploration and a quote about freedom by author Anna Julia Cooper.Trump’s push to include his image in official documents is not the only such step during his second term. His name and image have been added to numerous government-related initiatives and properties, including proposed changes to currency, federal buildings displaying large banners, and branding associated with public services.Some institutions have also seen renaming or changes associated with Trump, while new programs bearing his name have been introduced. Among them are premium residency programs like the Trump Gold Card and the Trump Platinum Card, which are marketed as quick options for applicants willing to pay high fees. He also plans to build a $300 million White House ballroom as an extension of the old building.
