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Colin Jost delivered biting jokes about President Trump’s new passport design. The limited-edition passports will arrive in July 2026 featuring the president’s face. Jost quipped that Americans will carry a reminder of why they fled.
🔥 Quick Facts
- SNL Segment: Colin Jost made the jokes during Weekend Update on May 3, 2026
- Release Date: Limited-edition America250 passports launching July 2026
- Availability: Only available through Washington Passport Agency
- Design Features: Trump’s portrait, gold signature, Declaration of Independence imagery on inside cover
Jost’s Sharp Jokes Land at Weekend Update
During SNL’s Weekend Update segment, Colin Jost took direct aim at the controversial passport announcement. The Saturday Night Live host sarcastically praised the State Department’s decision, noting what he saw as the symbolic irony. Jost quipped that citizens will always carry a reminder of their reasons for fleeing the country.
The comedian went further with additional commentary about the design itself. He remarked that Trump’s portrait appears to be burning a hole in the Declaration of Independence. His timing and delivery drew reactions from the audience.
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Trump’s America250 Branding Campaign Expands
The America250 passport initiative marks another step in Trump’s branding efforts across federal symbols. The president has continued placing his likeness, name, and signature on currency, federal buildings, and official platforms. This limited-edition passport represents a historic first for American travel documents.
The White House spokesperson called the design patriotic and part of celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The passport features Trump’s visage alongside flag motifs and Declaration text. However, citizens obtaining passports elsewhere will receive the standard design.
Passport Details and Availability Structure
| Feature | Specification |
| Release Date | July 2026 |
| Availability Location | Washington Passport Agency only |
| Design Elements | Trump portrait, gold signature, Declaration of Independence imagery |
| Limited Status | Special edition for America250 celebration |
The State Department confirmed that online passport applications and applications at other agencies will continue receiving standard passport designs. Only those applying in person at the Washington Passport Agency during the launch window will receive the Trump-themed version. This limitation adds to the exclusivity of the design.
“You will always carry a reminder of why you fled the country. I love that the picture of Trump is also burning a hole in the Declaration of Independence.”
— Colin Jost, SNL Weekend Update Host
SNL’s Broader Weekend Update Segment Context
Jost and co-anchor Michael Che addressed multiple significant news items during the May 3 broadcast. The two comedians tackled both national and international stories with their characteristic satirical approach. Beyond the passport jokes, they discussed King Charles’s U.S. visit and other pressing developments.
The SNL Weekend Update provided sharp commentary on the administration’s America250 celebration initiatives, which broadly include a UFC fight, state fair, and Grand Prix race. Jost’s remarks reflected growing public reaction to the passport announcement.
Will the Passport Design Become a Lasting Symbol or Forgotten Novelty?
The limited-edition design raises broader questions about presidential imagery on federal documents. Previously, American passports have featured patriotic imagery, historical figures, and national symbols, but rarely sitting presidents. This move marks a departure from traditional precedent.
Critics and comedians like Jost question whether placing Trump’s face on travel documents aligns with past norms. The exclusivity to Washington Passport Agency also raises questions about fairness and access. Only time will tell whether this becomes a celebrated part of America’s 250th-year celebration or a punchline that doesn’t age well.
Sources
- Reality Tea – SNL’s Colin Jost jokes about Trump’s passport design featuring his face and gold signature on inside cover
- Rolling Stone – SNL Weekend Update mocks Trump’s vain passport move and King Charles state visit
- HuffPost – Weekend Update mocks Trump with sharp political commentary during Saturday Night Live performance
