US2 min(s) read
Published 13:24 29 Jun 2026 GMT
Donald Trump has sparked debate yet again after sharing an image he described as a commemorative US passport celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Posting the design, he wrote: “The U.S.A.'s New Passport, which says, 'Welcome, but be good!' President DJT."
Despite his claim, people were quick to point out that the passport didn't appear to feature those words at all.
The image featured Trump’s photo alongside patriotic-themed iconography, including a copy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as John Trumbull’s famous painting of the signers of the country’s ‘birth certificate’.
The commemorative passport will become available on July 6 while supplies last. Americans must apply in person at the Washington Passport Agency or at designated commemorative passport events, with only 40,000 set to be issued.
The wording quickly drew criticism, particularly from anti-Trump conservative outlet The Bulwark. During a video segment, host Tim Miller questioned whether the message reflected a misunderstanding of what a passport is actually used for.
Referencing the phrase “Welcome, but be good,” Miller said: “This raises the question, does Donald Trump know what a passport is for? Welcome to who? The US passport is for Americans. We use it to go other places.”
He went on to suggest the issue could point to something more serious, stating: “It's pretty concerning that the President of the United States either is so stupid that he doesn't know what a passport is or that his mentals are declining at such a rate that he's forgotten.”
Miller also mocked the design itself, describing it as “a glowering president reminding Americans welcome in your own house, in your own country,” before adding a pointed aside: “I've been indicted several times.”
He ended the segment with a blunt conclusion: “This is it, I guess. This is real life.”
Conservative commentator Bill Kristol later echoed the criticism, praising Miller’s segment as “very good.”
He added: “Trump clearly doesn't understand that a passport is for Americans, since the message he's delivering is suitable for a visa for foreigners.”
