Trump’s Image in New U.S. Passports Draws Immediate Backlash

A limited-edition U.S. passport featuring President Donald Trump’s image will be issued this summer. This decision has drawn criticism from Democratic lawmakers who claim the administration is turning an official travel document into a tool for personal branding.

On Tuesday, the State Department announced it would produce a limited number of commemorative passports to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The department released renderings showing Trump’s portrait on one side of the passport, opposite an image of the signing of the Declaration in 1776.

The special passports will only be available through the Washington Passport Agency and will be offered while supplies last, according to a State Department official.

Applicants who apply by mail will not receive one. The department stated that the passports would not come with any extra fee and would maintain the same security features as standard U.S. passports.

A mock-up displays Trump’s face over the Declaration of Independence, with his signature in gold underneath.

According to Time Magazine, Representative Mike Levin, D-Calif., criticized the design harshly.

"You have got to be kidding me. The State Department is putting Donald Trump’s scowling face on the U.S. passport. His signature in gold.

Superimposed over the Declaration of Independence, a document literally written to get away from this exact behavior," Levin said, continuing: "This is not patriotism. It is vanity."

Senator Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., also condemned the move, stating, “It's a scary day in America when an actual king behaves more democratically than the President of the United States.”

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales defended the passport plan in a statement to TIME.

“President Trump wants all Americans to enjoy the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year—and it’s a shame that Democrats are choosing partisan politics over unity,” Wales said.

She added that the administration is proud to lead a renewal of national pride and patriotism for all Americans during this historic celebration.

The passport design is one of several government items or projects that have featured Trump’s name, image, or signature since he returned to office. Reuters reported that the administration has also added his name to prominent Washington buildings, a planned Navy warship class, a visa program for wealthy foreigners, a prescription drug website, and federal savings accounts for children.

The U.S. Mint has announced plans for a commemorative gold coin featuring Trump’s image for the anniversary, while the Treasury Department has indicated that paper currency will carry Trump’s signature, according to Reuters.

Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee linked the passport announcement to rising travel and fuel costs, calling it a distraction from the economic pressures on families.

Representative Ted Lieu, D-Calif., also questioned the timing, noting that gas prices had reached their highest level in four years while the State Department focused on putting Trump’s face on passports.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office mocked the rollout with a parody announcement for a California driver’s license featuring Newsom’s photo.

The State Department has not disclosed how many commemorative passports it plans to produce.