"I Want a Trump Passport"... Surge in Applications Leads to Major Increase in Issuance

State Department: "We Will Increase Issuance Due to Overwhelming Demand"
Applications Only Accepted Through In-Person Visits at Special Event Venues

With a surge in inquiries about the limited edition passport featuring the face of U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of State has decided to significantly expand its issuance.

Yonhap News Agency

According to the Washington Post (WP) on July 30 (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced that, due to "overwhelming demand," it would increase the number of commemorative passports for the 250th anniversary of American independence (July 4 of this year) to a total of 250,000 copies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "To respond to the special interest of the public, we are offering 250,000 historic passports commemorating America's 250th anniversary and our nation's great history and heritage."

A sample of the limited edition U.S. passport commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence featuring U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

Named the "Patriot Passport," this special edition passport was first unveiled this past April. At the time of its release, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott commented, "This passport features a customized design and enhanced imagery, while at the same time maintaining the same security features that make the U.S. passport the most secure document in the world." He also noted that the limited edition passport would be issued to interested American citizens until supplies run out.

The limited edition passport features, on the left side, an image of President Trump standing with clenched fists against the background of the Declaration of Independence, furrowing his brow and staring straight ahead. On the right is an illustration of the 'Founding Fathers' signing the Declaration of Independence. While the initial draft released by the State Department showed only President Trump's portrait, the revised passport design now includes his upper body.

President Trump's signature, which was originally printed in gold ink, has been modified to appear almost black, and the number 250 in large gold lettering has been added beneath the illustration of the Founding Fathers.

According to the State Department, more than 30,000 inquiries have already been made to the passport call center alone, and requests have continued to pour in via call centers, social media, and on-site event locations. As a result, the Department has relaxed eligibility requirements so that all U.S. citizens nationwide are now able to apply for the passport, the outlet reported.

However, obtaining the commemorative passport will require in-person effort. The Department of State will be holding special events at various locations nationwide throughout August and September, and passports may only be applied for by visiting these sites in person. The commemorative passports will only be issued to applicants who have made a prior reservation; applications by mail or online, as well as through overseas embassies and U.S. consulates, are not permitted.

Spokesperson Pigott said, "This commemorative passport will serve as a meaningful way for Americans to carry our nation's history and enduring spirit with them as they travel the world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.