Government · Washington
Trump unveils 40,000 limited-edition US passports featuring his portrait and the slogan 'Welcome, but be good!'
President Trump has revealed a special-edition US passport with his own image and a pointed message, available from July 6 only in Washington.
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In brief
40,000 commemorative passports become available July 6 at the Washington Passport Agency, in person only.
The passport features a stern portrait of Trump behind the Resolute Desk, his signature, and a gold '250' mark.
Critics noted that the phrase 'Welcome, but be good!' makes little sense on a document issued only to American citizens.
Democrats and commentators condemned the design as authoritarian and self-aggrandising.
- April 2026State Department announces commemorative passport with an earlier portrait of Trump.
- 27 JunTrump unveils updated design with new portrait and slogan on Truth Social.
- 6 Jul40,000 copies become available at the Washington Passport Agency.
A new design
President Trump posted images on Truth Social Friday, describing it as "The U.S.A.'s New Passport, which says, 'Welcome, but be good!'" The rendering shows a stern Trump leaning over the Resolute Desk with the Declaration of Independence behind him and his signature below. The slogan does not appear on the passport pages displayed. An earlier version announced in April featured a different portrait; the final design now includes the numbers "250" in gold and a black signature.
Availability
The State Department said 40,000 copies will be issued while supplies last, starting on July 6. Applicants must schedule an in-person appointment at the Washington Passport Agency; online or mail applications are not accepted for this edition. Some officials indicated the special design may become the default for anyone renewing in person at that location, while standard designs remain in use elsewhere.
Reactions
Critics described the design as "creepy" and "dictatorial". Commentator Tim Wise noted the confusion over a welcome message on a document used only by citizens leaving the country.
“Putting aside the creepy dictatorial vibe, it's either hilarious or terrifying that Donald Trump clearly doesn't know who passports are for.”
“Kim Jong Un thinks this is a bit much.”
A branding push
The passport is the latest extension of Trump's effort to place his name or likeness on federal symbols. Previous steps included renaming the Kennedy Center, adding his signature to currency, and proposing a $250 bill with his portrait. The document marks the first time a living president has appeared on a U.S. passport.
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Sources and context
- Donald Trump
- President of the United States, unveiled the commemorative passport design
- Tim Wise
- Commentator who criticised the passport design on social media
- Aaron Rupar
- Journalist who compared the passport to a personality cult
- Places
- United States, Washington, D.C.
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