New Passport Design Sparks Controversy
The White House has announced plans to include images in updated passport designs to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, and it’s stirring up quite a bit of backlash, especially from the left.
According to the State Department, these limited-edition passports will feature the likeness of former President Donald Trump. However, they won’t be automatically issued at every renewal; they are available only upon special request at the Washington Passport Bureau.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott stated, “These passports will have customized artwork and improved images while keeping the same security features that make the U.S. passport one of the most secure documents worldwide.”
Set to be released just before Independence Day, they anticipate distributing around 25,000 to 30,000 of these passports.
Critics took to social media to voice their displeasure, mistakenly assuming that they would be required to adopt the new passport design. Democratic activist Adam Parkhomenko expressed frustration, saying, “It’s going to take a very long time for the government to clear his face from everything.”
Attorney Mike Levin chimed in as well, mentioning, “No sitting president has ever done this. It feels more like vanity than patriotism.”
Former Obama advisor David Axelrod even made a quip, asking, “Do we all have to look like Trump, or will this passport include a photo of us?”
Mary Trump, President Trump’s niece, shared her relief at having already renewed her passport, stating, “I have never been more relieved.”
Another individual questioned, “Why aren’t the checks and balances in the US government working? Why can’t anyone stand up to stop this?” conveying a sense of bewilderment over the situation.
In a sarcastic response, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press team mocked the announcement with a fake image of a driver’s license featuring the governor’s face.
Amidst the backlash, there were some supporters. One user expressed, “I’m not planning on getting a passport, but I managed to get something this beautiful. It’s a piece of history.” Laura Loomer also stated, “I love this!”
Interestingly, the Polymarket Exchange has shown that after this announcement, there is a 73% chance that Trump’s image will appear on the new passports.
