Topline
A commemorative passport featuring President Donald Trump’s image is slated to release soon, though it is not slated to become standard for U.S. passports and will be limited to just a single passport agency in Washington.
Key Facts
A rendering of the passport shared by the White House on Friday shows Trump presumably leaning over the Resolute Desk, fists clenched, alongside his signature and text from the Declaration of Independence.
The commemorative passport will only be issued at the Washington Passport Agency in Washington, D.C., starting on July 6, according to the State Department, which has said the special document will be the default passport given out at the location while still available.
The passport will not be issued to applicants applying for passports online, through the mail, at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad or at passport agencies other than D.C.’s Washington Passport Agency.
How Many Commemorative Passports Are Available?
While the State Department has said the passports will be provided “while supplies last,” multiple outlets have reported between 25,000 and 30,000 will be made available.
Tangent
Trump said his passport will contain the words, “Welcome, but be good!” The wording has not appeared on renderings and would be a peculiar choice for a passport, which allows people to travel internationally, unlike a visa, which allows holders to enter, stay, or work in a country.
Key Background
The State Department rolled out initial renderings of the passport in April, showing a head portrait of Trump on a page before the founding fathers. Until now, U.S. passports have never featured an image of the president. Trump and his administration have pushed for multiple government institutions and programs to bear the president’s name, image or style. Trump’s portrait was added to National Parks passes early this year, placing him next to George Washington on the Resident Annual Pass. The Trump administration is also pushing for the construction of a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery, though it faces legal and political pushback. This year, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts was renamed to the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Trump’s name was struck from the building this month after a federal judge ruled it violated a law only allowing the venue to be renamed with congressional approval.
Further Reading
New Passports Feature Large Image Of Trump And Gold-Printed Signature (Forbes)
First Images Show Kennedy Center After Trump’s Name Removed—See Here (Forbes)
