The White House has confirmed that the US will issue a limited run of passports featuring a portrait of President Donald Trump — but only certain applicants will be able to receive them.
July will mark 250 years since the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, and the anniversary is being accompanied by a wide slate of commemorations.
Events are already underway, including a visit from King Charles, whose trip has been framed as highlighting the long-standing ties between the US and the UK, centuries on from American independence.
Alongside the official celebrations, a special passport design is set to be released for a small number of Americans. The new version will not be available nationwide, meaning most citizens will continue to receive the standard format.
According to officials, the new design will be tied to in-person renewals at a specific location.
“will be the default passport out of the Washington Passport Agency when available”
The same official added that people applying through other channels won’t see any change.
“Online options or other locations will maintain existing passport design,”
As for the visuals, spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the update will keep the current safeguards intact while introducing new presentation elements.
“customized artwork and enhanced imagery while maintaining the same security features that make the U.S. passport the most secure documents in the world.”
A sample image first shared by Fox News appears to place the President’s likeness alongside text from the Declaration of Independence, and includes his signature in gold beneath the design.
Officials have stressed the change is temporary and will apply only to a relatively small batch. Reports suggest roughly 30,000 of the limited-edition passports will be produced and made available shortly before Independence Day on July 4.
Anyone who prefers the standard look can avoid the special version by applying outside Washington or choosing the online renewal option instead.
For most adult applicants aged 16 and over, US passports are typically valid for 10 years. That would mean recipients of the limited design could continue using it until 2036. Guidance generally recommends renewing around 6–9 months before a passport expires.
The anniversary has also brought ceremonial gestures from overseas. During his state visit, King Charles reportedly presented Trump with a large brass bell bearing his name.
The bell is said to have come from the tower of a Second World War-era British submarine, HMS Trump, and features the engraving ‘Trump 1944’.