Trump to become first sitting US president featured in passports

US President Donald Trump will be featured in limited-edition US passports marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, shattering a global norm not to display sitting leaders' travel documents. The passports show Trump's stern image superimposed over July 4, 1776 document, with his gold signature underneath.

The State Department confirmed Tuesday that the special passports will only be available through in-person appointments in Washington "for as long as there is availability" at no additional cost. Most Americans typically obtain passports through local post offices, which won't offer the special edition.

Democratic lawmakers criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying he should focus on more pressing issues than "indulging Trump's vanity." Nearly all countries featuring artwork in passports use historical imagery or nature rather than current leaders, even North Korea which depicts sacred Mount Paektu instead of Kim Jong Un.

Trump has aggressively put his personal stamp on government institutions since returning to office, with buildings displaying his banners and the Treasury announcing his signature will appear on dollar bills. Only around half of Americans hold valid passports, less than in many other Western nations.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/29/trump-to-put-his-picture-in-us-passports-2/