Kamal Ghorui
US President Donald Trump is at the centre of a new controversy after reports that his image could appear in a redesigned American passport. This move would break long-standing global practice.The US State Department is working on a limited edition passport that would include a picture of Trump on the inside cover, according to a report cited by the Bulwark. The image is said to be taken from his second inaugural portrait and placed over the Declaration of Independence, along with the president’s signature in gold.If approved, it would mark the first time a sitting US president’s image has been included in a passport. No modern American passport has ever carried a president’s portrait, and such a feature is also absent in passports issued by other countries.The proposal was criticised opposition leaders. Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “Putting Donald Trump’s face on US passports is absurd.” He added, “These documents represent the American people — not one man’s megalomania.”Traditionally, US passports are issued in the name of the secretary of state, not the president. Earlier versions carried signatures of issuing officials, but not images of political leaders.The redesign plan tied to celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.Other changes are also being considered, including coins bearing Trump’s image and updated designs for government materials.Under the proposal, the back cover of the passport would feature a more conventional patriotic image, a detail from a well-known painting of the Declaration of Independence. However, the new version is expected to be produced in limited numbers, with only 25,000 copies planned rather than a full rollout.The current passport design was introduced in 2021 and includes key moments and symbols from American history. It includes an image of Francis Scott Key observing the bombardment of Fort McHenry, along with lines from the American national anthem. The back cover carries imagery of space exploration and a quote about freedom by author Anna Julia Cooper.Trump’s reported push to include his likeness on official documents is not the only such move during his second term. His name and image have been added to various government-linked initiatives and properties, including proposed changes to currency, federal buildings displaying large banners, and branding tied to public services.Some institutions have also seen renaming or changes linked to Trump, while new programmes bearing his name have been introduced. Among them are premium residency schemes such as the “Trump Gold Card” and “Trump Platinum Card,” which are marketed as fast-track options for applicants willing to pay high fees. He also plans to build a $300 million White House ballroom as an extension to the old building.
