From dollars to passports… Trump wants to leave his mark everywhere policy

The US State Department has revealed plans to issue a limited edition of passports bearing the image of President Donald Trump, in a step that comes as part of preparations for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States next July.

Ministry spokesman Tommy Piggott said that “a limited number of specially designed passports” will be offered to the public, explaining that they will include “custom artwork and enhanced photos,” according to what was reported by the American New York Times.

The newspaper explains that these passports will be available to any American citizen who applies through the Passport Agency in Washington, until supplies run out, without any additional fees.

The drawing

Prototypes of the design show a picture of Trump inside the pages of the passport, along with his signature in gold ink, according to the description of the American magazine Time.

The design also focuses on reviving national symbols, as a painting depicting the moment of signing of the “Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull will be printed on one page, while Trump’s face will appear on another page above the text of the Declaration of Independence itself.

The new design also includes modifications to the passport cover, and the back cover will bear the flag of the United States in its 1777 version, with the number “250” in the middle of 13 stars symbolizing the original colonies, according to Time.

Time quoted the ministry as saying that the final number of passports to be produced has not yet been determined, and the ministry denied reports indicating that no more than 25,000 copies would be produced.

It is expected that the launch of these passports will coincide with the independence celebrations expected this summer.

Criticisms

The New York Times indicates that the step comes as part of a series of decisions taken by the Trump administration to place his name, image, or signature on government institutions, programs, commemorative products, and even American dollars.

The US Treasury announced at the end of last March that the signature of the Treasurer of the United States would be deleted from US banknotes for the first time in 165 years, and replaced by the signature of the President.

The newspaper confirms that these decisions sparked political controversy, especially in light of the president’s previous attempts to rename landmarks and public institutions after him, and some of these decisions are still pending in the courts.