As the date cited on the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, has long been recognized as the birthdate of the United States of America.
The 4th of July, 2026, will therefore be the 250th anniversary of 13 original colonies declaring their united independence from the British Empire. The Semiquincentennial—also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial, and the Quarter Millennium—is being commemorated through events and collectors items much like the Bicentennial in 1976 was.
One marked difference, however, is Republican President Gerald Ford's likeness wasn't plastered on everything in 1976. MAGA Republican President Donald Trump seems determined to make certain his will be.
After the Treasury announcing that special non-circulating Trump coins will be issued by the U.S. Mint and banners of Trump appearing on federal buildings, the State Department announced this week that Trump’s visage will also appear on a commemorative passport.
You can see the White House's announcement here:
@WhiteHouse/X
In response, California Democratic Representative Mike Levin posted on X:
"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."
Rep. Levin added:
"No sitting president has ever done this. Coins, park passes, battleships, and now your passport. The man cannot find a surface he will not slap his name or face on."
"This is not patriotism."
"It is vanity."
@MikeLevin/X
The online mocking of the Trump administration announcement was fast and furious.
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@GovPressOffice/X
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And at least one person pointed out not even North Korea puts their "Dear Leader" on passports.
The White House X account team tried to defend their widely mocked announcement with a whataboutism...
...comparing a Metro card offered as a souvenir for people in D.C. for Democratic President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration.
It didn't go well.
For the Bicentennial, the U.S. mint issued three commemorative coins for circulation: quarters featuring a Colonial Drummer by artist Jack L. Ahr, half-dollars featuring Independence Hall by Seth G. Huntington, and dollars featuring a Liberty Bell against the Moon by Dennis R. Williams.
usmint.gov
The three new reverse designs issued in 1976 were chosen in a national $5,000 competition launched in 1973 and sponsored by the Department of the Treasury.
In 2026, circulating commemorative coins include a nickel, dime, half-dollar, and five different quarters.
A commemorative penny is also available, but only for purchase from the mint.
New pennies were discontinued as circulating coins by order of Trump in 2025.
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