{
  "id": 14172584,
  "title": "Pity the Poor Passport",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/pity-the-poor-passport",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The New Yorker",
    "slug": "the-new-yorker",
    "url": "https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/pity-the-poor-passport"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nCritics 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.",
  "summary": "Americans’ most valued official document is the latest national treasure to get a Trump makeover.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}