A newly revealed “limited edition” US passport tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary is already drawing backlash after people spotted what they say is a major flaw in the design.
The special passport was unveiled in late April and is scheduled to begin rolling out on July 6, 2026, through the Washington Passport Agency in Washington, D.C., while supplies last.
According to the State Department, the commemorative passport is a limited release of the next generation passport, with about 25,000 to 30,000 expected to be available at the Washington office. Applicants who want a standard passport can still get one by renewing online or applying outside Washington, but in-person applicants at the Washington Passport Agency will receive the commemorative version by default.
Donald Trump later shared an image of the finished passport on Truth Social on Friday, June 26.
“The U.S.A.’s New Passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!’ President DJT.”
But after examining the photos more closely, critics quickly pointed out that the phrase “welcome but be good” does not actually appear anywhere in the images that were released.
That was not the only issue raised online. Some also questioned the use of the word “welcome,” arguing that a US passport is primarily used by Americans traveling abroad rather than entering their own country.
Among those criticizing the wording was Tim Miller during a segment on The Bulwark.
“Welcome, but be good,” he said, during a video segment. “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.”
“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,” he said.
Reaction on X was similarly blunt.
“He doesn’t know the difference between a passport and a visa.”
“Does he not understand how passports work or that they are issued to AMERICAN CITIZENS?”
“I use my passport to enter other countries, not to hang around in my own. Maybe Donald Trump does it differently, I dunno,” a third said.
The new passport is part of the broader America250 celebration and features Trump’s image and signature inside, along with gold “250” markings and patriotic artwork, including the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence. The State Department says the design keeps the same security features as a standard US passport.
The passports are expected to roll out this summer, suggesting there may be little room left for any design changes.
When the plan was first announced, plenty of Americans expressed frustration over the idea. Still, people hoping to avoid the commemorative version may have another option.
Because the design is only being issued through the Washington Passport Agency, applicants who do not want it can instead renew online or use another passport office, where the regular design will still be provided.
It remains unclear whether in-person applicants in Washington will be able to opt out of receiving the limited edition version.
If the rollout goes ahead as planned, Trump will be the first sitting president who is also living to appear on a US passport.
The White House has been contacted for comment.