Donald Trump unveils updated passport design featuring his portrait for 250th anniversary
Victoria Craw
washington: President Donald Trump has unveiled an updated image of himself that will be included in the US passport commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
The image was shared by the White House, tagged as “Patriot Passport.”
Trump also posted a picture of what he called the “New Passport of the United States” on social media, saying it read “‘Welcome, but be nice!'” These words do not appear in the images Trump shared.
The State Department said it would first offer a limited number of passports in April; It was another example of Trump’s quest to stamp his personal brand on the nation. However, this previous version featured different artwork.
The final image shows a sample passport page with Trump’s portrait surrounded by text from the Declaration of Independence, with Trump’s signature underneath and the words “United States of America.”
A separate page shows a picture of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence, apparently based on an oil painting by John Trumbull that took more than thirty years to complete. “United States of America 250” is written underneath in red and gold, and the American flag flies in the background on both pages.
A State Department spokesman said the agency was “proud” to issue a passport that “boldly honors our nation’s founding and our President.”
The spokesman said that there will be a “Freedom 250” gold flag on the back cover of the passport. Trump’s portrait will appear on the inside of the front cover, while the Founding Fathers will appear on the inside of the back cover.
The State Department said the document will be issued at the Washington Passport Office starting July 6 “while supplies last.”
Those who want a regular U.S. passport can still apply online or by mail, as well as in person at other agencies or at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
The latest image shows a different photo of Trump in the Oval Office, leaning over the Resolute Desk with clenched fists and staring intensely at the camera.
It is based on a photograph taken by Daniel Torok that hangs in the Smithsonian’s “Presidents of America” exhibit; The previous photo is replaced by a caption noting Trump’s first term, his two impeachments and re-election, as well as the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
The new version also features slightly different colors, with the president’s signature written in black and “250” in gold. In the previous version, the president’s signature was in gold and the “250” was not visible.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The passport represents one of the ways Trump is solidifying his brand over the US government and the geography of Washington.
In addition to demolishing the East Wing of the White House and adding a $600 million ($870 million) ballroom, painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and proposing a 76-foot-tall triumphal arch, his administration is producing a coin with Trump’s image on it and is also preparing to open “Trump accounts” for children.
