Trump's Image Set to Adorn U.S. Passports, Sources Reveal

President Donald Trump is reportedly taking his branding to new heights, with plans to include his likeness on U.S. passports. Following the addition of his image to National Parks passes, the State Department is said to be finalizing a "radical redesign" that will incorporate a portrait from his second inaugural ceremony.

This initiative coincides with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s history. A mock-up shared by Annmarie Hordern, Bloomberg's chief political correspondent, showcases Trump's portrait alongside his signature on one page, while another page features John Trumbull's iconic painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

A State Department official indicated that this new passport design will be the standard issue from the Washington Passport Agency for individuals renewing their passports in person. “Online options or other locations will maintain existing passport design,” the official clarified, suggesting a dual system for passport issuance.

Anticipation builds as the new design is expected to roll out this summer. State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott stated, “As the United States celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to release a limited number of specially designed U.S. Passports to commemorate this historic occasion.”

Critics of Trump have expressed disdain over this development. Bill Kristol, editor-at-large at the Bulwark, tweeted his skepticism, pondering whether a “Trump passport” might someday be viewed as a collectible oddity akin to misprinted coins.

This move is just one of many instances where Trump has sought to imprint his identity on American symbols. The Treasury Department is also set to release a $1 gold coin featuring his face, and a commemorative 24-karat gold coin has received approval from the Commission of Fine Arts.

In addition to these coins, Trump will be the first sitting president to have his signature featured on American paper currency. For those wishing to escape political imagery while visiting National Parks, they will still encounter Trump's face on their entry passes.

Trump's branding extends beyond currency and passports; his $1 million Gold Card prominently displays his image alongside symbols like the bald eagle and the Statue of Liberty. His name was also added to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which subsequently faced a two-year shutdown for renovations, prompting a wave of artist cancellations in protest.

In a similar vein, Trump’s name was affixed to the U.S. Institute of Peace after he dismissed its board members, taking control of the organization and placing it under the General Services Administration.

In December, he announced plans for a new fleet of warships dubbed the "Trump-class," with the USS Defiant set to be the first battleship under this designation. Furthermore, in March 2025, he revealed plans for a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet known as the F-47, although it does not bear his name directly.

Earlier this year, Trump launched TrumpRx, a website aimed at helping Americans find discounts on prescription drugs, asserting that he did not personally select the name. In an unusual move, he even shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ, which he later deleted amid backlash, claiming it was intended to illustrate him as a healer.

The State Department has been approached for further comments regarding these developments.