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US Issues Trump-Portrait Passports for 250th Anniversary Amid Criticism

7/31/2026

Summary

Trump Passport Launch

The United States will issue passports featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
An additional 250,000 passports are being released after “overwhelming demand,” expanding distribution beyond Washington, D.C.
Beginning Aug. 8, 27 passport agencies in seven states will hold one-day in-person events where applicants must apply on the event day.
A rendering posted on Trump’s Truth Social on June 26, 2026 noted more than 30,000 calls since July 4.

Summary

Trump Icon Overload

President Donald Trump became the first sitting president on a U.S. passport.
The administration placed Trump’s name and likeness on the U.S. Institute for Peace and Kennedy Center.
A judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center building in June.
The U.S. Mint will issue a $1 gold coin with Trump’s portrait this fall.
Critics say the spread of Trump imagery on official items blurs national symbols with promotion.

Summary

Rubio Faces Probe

Senate committees opened a formal inquiry into Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the alleged politicization of the “Patriot Passport.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) called the passport “a scary day in America when an actual king behaves more democratically than the president of the United States.”
Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) said U.S. President Donald Trump’s gold-imprinted signature over the Declaration of Independence is “vanity, not patriotism.”

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Trump Passport Launch

The United States will issue passports featuring President Donald Trump’s portrait to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
An additional 250,000 passports are being released after “overwhelming demand,” expanding distribution beyond Washington, D.C.
Beginning Aug. 8, 27 passport agencies in seven states will hold one-day in-person events where applicants must apply on the event day.
A rendering posted on Trump’s Truth Social on June 26, 2026 noted more than 30,000 calls since July 4.

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