Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is speaking out against the State Department’s new plans to feature President Trump’s likeness on limited-edition passports, calling the move “silly” and drawing comparisons to authoritarian regimes. As reported by The Hill, Bacon made his stance clear during an appearance on CNN News Central. It is a bold move for a member of Trump’s own party to step up and label this initiative as an act that just doesn’t fit the American spirit.
The design, which was unveiled by the White House on X, is intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. However, the decision to overlay Trump’s inaugural portrait and his signature onto the text of the Declaration of Independence has sparked intense debate. For many, including Rep. Bacon, the optics are simply off.
