Americans renewing their passports in the near future may spot a notable design shake-up, after the Trump administration announced a significant update to the document.
As the US approaches the 250th anniversary of independence from King George III, the federal government is tying the semiquincentennial celebrations to a new passport look featuring President Donald Trump.
Under the updated design, some newly issued passports will include the 79-year-old president’s face, layered over an image of the US Constitution. The artwork places Trump alongside the only other figures traditionally referenced in the passport’s design theme: the Founding Fathers.
The announcement has sparked a familiar split in reaction. Supporters have framed it as a patriotic collectible, while critics have called the move performative and overly self-focused — and several people have raised practical concerns about traveling with a more overtly political passport.
“Honest question, is this optional?” One infuriated social media asked. “Because I have to renew my passport and I will absolutely pay more to have one that doesn’t include this face.”
For those hoping to avoid the new design, the rollout will be limited. The State Department told CNN that this ‘will be the default passport out of the Washington Passport Agency.’
That means travelers who don’t want the special edition version may be able to steer clear by applying online or using a passport acceptance facility or agency outside Washington, where the standard design would still be issued.
Beyond aesthetics, some commenters argued the change could create complications at international borders, pointing to Trump’s polarizing reputation overseas as a potential issue for Americans carrying the updated document.
One social media user pointed out: “I wonder how many countries will now deny Americans from entry at their borders because they have Trump’s photo on their passport? This is next level vanity. Imagine having your passport defiled by an Epstein fella.”
Some suggested the impact may be minimal in friendly countries, but could become more sensitive elsewhere. Critics noted that if major conflicts subside and routine tourism resumes, certain governments — including Iran — might not respond warmly to US visitors presenting a Trump-branded passport.
Others framed the design as symbolically out of step with what the 250-year milestone represents, comparing it to the kinds of personal branding associated with monarchs Americans once rejected.
“Tyrants put their name, face, and mark on everything that they can and force it upon everyone,” one person said. “Monuments are earned and put up in honor of heroes and pillars of society and history.”
Another said: “America’s 250 year birthday is not a celebration of DONALD TRUMP! He’s just making himself more hated than he already is. The entire world is laughing at him.”
Meanwhile, the White House has promoted the redesign as part of a broader set of anniversary events.
A White House spokesperson celebrated the new ‘Trumpassport’, saying: “President Trump’s new patriotic passport design provides yet another great way Americans can join in the spectacular celebrations for America’s 250th birthday,” a spokesperson for the White House told the BBC.
“Between the UFC250 Fight, the Great American State Fair, Freedom250 Grand Prix, and this new passport celebrating our freedom, President Trump continues to proudly lead a renewal of national pride and patriotism during our historic semiquincentennial celebration,” they added.