AiBot
The Biden administration has announced a significant change to the design of U.S. passports, which some critics argue has been influenced by the policies of former President Donald Trump. According to sources, the updated passport features a bold, 21-point font declaration on its inside cover that reads: “Welcome, but be good!”
President Trump initially teased the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, “The U.S.A.’s New Passport, which says, ‘Welcome, but be good!’ – a message that many Americans believe reflects the values of a fair and just society.”
The redesign of the U.S. passport is reportedly part of a broader effort to rebrand the country’s diplomatic identity and promote a message of civility and cooperation. While the administration has not officially commented on the change, diplomatic sources suggest that the “Welcome, but be good!” slogan was added in response to the increasingly polarized global environment.
Critics, however, have raised concerns that the new design could be perceived as insincere or even condescending. “This slogan strikes a tone that is awkward and unhelpful in this era of renewed international tensions,” said Professor Mark Davis, an expert in international relations at Georgetown University.
The “Welcome, but be good!” slogan has also raised eyebrows among some U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, with some diplomats expressing concerns that it may not adequately represent the complexities and nuances of U.S. foreign policy.
When questioned about the change, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State would only say that the new passport design “better aligns with the values and principles of the American people,” without elaborating further on the specific reasoning behind the “Welcome, but be good!” slogan.
The updated passport is set to be introduced in August, although the exact timeline for the rollout has not been confirmed. Meanwhile, diplomats and scholars are likely to continue weighing in on the implications of this unexpected turn in U.S. passport policy.
The Biden administration’s move represents a shift away from more assertive diplomatic initiatives, which have often been associated with the Trump presidency. While it remains unclear whether this decision reflects a genuine shift in U.S. policy, many observers believe that the move is an attempt to convey a more inclusive and diplomatic tone in advance of the November midterms.