California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, April 29, mocked the Trump administration’s new limited-edition US passports commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, which feature President Donald Trump’s image. The White House announced the special passports on Tuesday, April 28, describing them as a "Patriot Passport" with limited-edition designs "stamped for America 250". The passports include Trump’s portrait on the inside cover, superimposed over text from the Declaration of Independence, along with his signature in gold ink and other patriotic artwork. They maintain standard security features and are being issued as part of broader celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026.

The State Department confirmed the rollout of the commemorative passports this summer. They will be available on a limited basis, with some reports indicating availability at the Washington Passport Agency for in-person renewals while supplies last. Administration officials framed the design as a way for Americans to participate in the "America 250" festivities, which also include other planned events. Donald Trump To Feature on American Passport? US To Issue Special Edition Passports for 250th Independence Anniversary.

This marks the first time a living president’s likeness appears in a U.S. passport design. The move has drawn both support from Trump allies and criticism from opponents who view it as overly personalised.

New US 'Patriot Passport' Featuring Donald Trump

🇺🇸 https://t.co/BkbO8DAhFz pic.twitter.com/QY4tGjmJLu

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026

Gavin Newsom Responds With Satirical Driver’s License

Hours after the White House post, Newsom’s press office replied with a satirical announcement of its own. The post stated that California would roll out a "very special driver’s license" this summer in honor of the state’s 175th anniversary. It featured a mock-up of a California driver's license prominently displaying Newsom's photo, accompanied by text mimicking Trump-style phrasing: "It will feature a handsome, high-quality photo of me, Gavin C. Newsom. Many people are saying it’s the best license ever made in the history of the world. This is about celebrating our beautiful state (it is not about me, despite the very handsome photo!)." The response was widely interpreted as direct trolling of the federal passport design.

Gavin Newsom Trolls Trump Admin With Satirical Driver's License

IN HONOR OF CALIFORNIA’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY, WE WILL BE ROLLING OUT A VERY SPECIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR EVERY CALIFORNIAN THIS SUMMER! IT WILL FEATURE A HANDSOME, HIGH-QUALITY PHOTO OF ME, GAVIN C. NEWSOM. MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING IT’S THE BEST LICENSE EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF… pic.twitter.com/svCAc9oNkw

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) April 29, 2026

America 250 Celebrations

The United States is approaching the semiquincentennial of its founding in 1776. Federal and state initiatives under the “America 250” banner aim to mark the occasion through public events, historical reflections, and commemorative items. The Trump administration has incorporated the president’s image into some of these efforts, consistent with its emphasis on patriotic symbolism. ‘You’d Be Speaking French’: King Charles Roasts US President Donald Trump With History Joke at White House Dinner (Watch Video).

California, which entered the Union in 1850, is separately marking its 175th anniversary. Newsom has frequently clashed with Trump on policy and public messaging during the president’s second term.

The exchange between the White House and Newsom’s office highlights ongoing partisan tensions, even around national anniversary observances. No additional details on the actual distribution or final design specifications of the federal passports were immediately available beyond the initial announcement.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2026 12:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).