Pity the Poor Passport

In the United States, a passport is more than just a document—it is a symbol of national pride and a tangible representation of the nation's power. For many refugees and survivors of persecution, like Nabokov and Elie Wiesel, a U.S. passport provided a sense of hope and security. Therefore, changes proposed by the current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that would make the American passport more grandiose and appealing have raised concerns.

The proposed design changes include larger wording, a more prominent Great Seal, and the addition of historical scenes and a flip-book effect, with an eagle appearing to fly over the images. A more controversial aspect of the redesign is the inclusion of a portrait of former President Donald Trump on the passport cover. This move is seen as an act of self-aggrandizement and a departure from the tradition of presidents being depicted on U.S. currency, coins, and postage stamps.

Critics argue that placing Trump's face on the new passport would be a violation of the principles of democracy and the separation of power. They remind us that the President is just one of the citizens, serving a temporary term, and should not be elevated above others. The idea of a President's picture appearing on the passport could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to other politicians seeking similar recognition. As Reagan famously stated, the President is a custodian of the office, not a permanent monarch.