Donald Trump’s photo will soon appear on some U.S. passports, it was confirmed on Tuesday, breaking another norm for the president to actively display his personal image in government agencies.
The U.S. State Department has confirmed that it will launch a limited edition passport to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence this year.
A Fox News article forwarded by a State Department spokesperson showed a photo of Trump with his signature underneath in a passport imposed by the Declaration of Independence.
It features separate photos of America’s Founding Fathers.
“As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to issue a limited number of specially designed U.S. passports to commemorate this historic moment,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.
Another State Department official said there would be no additional fees for passports.
There is little precedent in the modern world for pictures of current leaders to appear on passports, let alone in democracies, where most prefer to depict historical images or natural scenes.
Current U.S. passports depict several scenes from the country’s history, such as the moon landing, as well as historical sites like the Statue of Liberty.
Trump has slapped government agencies in the face in an unprecedented way since returning to office last year, with his banners hanging on several government buildings in Washington and his name being slapped on the Kennedy Center Performing Arts Center and the demolished U.S. Institute of Peace.
Last month, the Treasury Department said Trump’s signature would begin appearing on U.S. dollars, another first.
Currency of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries bears the portrait of King Charles III, the head of state who was not directly involved in politics. The king met with Trump on Tuesday during a state visit to Washington.
The Fox News article states that Trump-themed passports will only be issued in Washington and they will be used up when no more are available.
It’s unclear whether Americans can refuse Trump-themed passports.
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