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Trump's Image to Appear in Limited-Edition US Passports for 250th Anniversary
The State Department confirmed it will issue a limited-edition passport featuring Donald Trump's photo to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The edition includes two images and would be available in Washington, D.C. at no extra cost, though it is unclear if applicants can opt out.
Why It Matters
The move signals an unprecedented branding of government assets by a sitting president and may set new norms for political imagery in state instruments; it also follows other reported steps to imprint Trump’s image on currency and institutions.
Timeline
3 Events
King Charles III meets Trump during state visit in Washington
April 28, 2026
The article notes that King Charles III met with Trump on Tuesday during a state visit to Washington.
State Department approves limited-edition Trump-themed passports for 250th anniversary
April 28, 2026
The State Department confirmed, after reports by Fox News and The Bulwark, that it would offer a limited-edition passport to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The passport would feature two images: Trump's official photo imposed over the Declaration of Independence with his gold signature underneath, and a historic painting of the US Founding Fathers. The edition would be available in Washington, D.C., for as long as supplies last and at no extra cost. It was not immediately clear whether applicants could refuse the edition. The move is described as having few modern precedents in democracies for sitting leaders' pictures in passports.
Treasury signals Trump signature to appear on US dollar
March 2026
In March 2026, the Treasury Department said Trump's signature would soon start appearing on the dollar, described as another first.