Victoria Craw
Washington: President Donald Trump has unveiled an updated rendering of himself to appear inside a US passport commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The image was shared by the White House, which labelled it a “PATRIOT PASSPORT”.
Trump also posted a picture of what he called “The U.S.A.’s New Passport” on social media, saying that it said: “‘Welcome, but be good!’” – words that don’t appear in the images Trump posted.
The State Department first said it would offer the limited-edition passport in April, in another instance of Trump seeking to stamp his personal brand on the nation. But that earlier version included different artwork.
The latest image shows a sample passport page with Trump’s portrait surrounded by text from the Declaration of Independence, with his signature and “United States of America” written underneath.
A separate page shows an image of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence that appears to be based on John Trumbull’s oil painting, which took more than three decades to complete. “United States of America 250” is written underneath in red and gold, and both pages have the American flag rippling across the background.
A State Department spokesperson said the agency was “proud” to release a passport that “boldly honours our nation’s founding and our President”.
The passport would have a “Freedom 250” gold flag on the back cover, the spokesperson said. The Trump portrait would go on the inside front cover, while the Founding Fathers would appear on the inside back cover.
It would be issued at the Washington Passport Agency from July 6, “while supplies last”, the State Department said.
Those who want a regular US passport can still apply online or via mail-in applications, as well as in person at other agencies or at US embassies or consulates abroad.
The latest image features a different picture of Trump, in which he appears in the Oval Office leaning over the Resolute Desk with balled fists, staring intensely into the camera.
It is based on a photograph taken by Daniel Torok that hangs in the Smithsonian “America’s Presidents” exhibition, replacing a previous photo with a caption that noted Trump’s first term, two impeachments and re-election, as well as the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
The new version also features slightly different colours, with the president’s signature in black and “250” written in gold. In the previous version, the president’s signature was in gold, and “250” did not appear.
The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
The passport marks one of several ways Trump has cemented his brand on the US government and Washington’s geography.
In addition to demolishing the White House’s East Wing to add a $US600 million ($870 million) ballroom, painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and proposing a 76-metre tall triumphal arch, his administration is producing a coin with Trump’s image on it and also set to launch “Trump accounts” for children.
