Staff Reports
So here we are: the State Department quietly rolls out a limited-edition “America 250” passport that features President Donald Trump’s portrait, and public radio runs a how-to guide on dodging it. The result is predictable — a mix of proud collectors, annoyed citizens, and a little media confusion that makes the whole thing more entertaining than it needed to be.
What NPR reported — and where readers got muddled
NPR published an on‑the‑ground piece showing people lining up or driving long distances to try to score the commemorative passport at the Washington Passport Agency. The story relayed colorful reactions — from a proud MAGA supporter who made the trip to a Virginia woman who complained the portrait looked “angry” — and offered practical advice for applicants who don’t want the special design. NPR told readers they could “choose extra pages” to avoid the commemorative look and described the anniversary book as the standard 28‑page version. That claim spread fast and left folks wondering what to do at the counter.
State Department clarification — the facts applicants need
The official word from the State Department is different and clear: the commemorative America‑250 passport is being issued only in the standard 26‑page passport book and only in person at the Washington Passport Agency or designated special acceptance events. If you request the large 50‑page book in person, you will receive the existing, non‑commemorative design — so asking for extra pages is indeed the way to avoid the Trump portrait, but the correct page counts matter. The rollout is limited while supplies last, and the agency’s estimates of total prints are modest, so show up prepared and expect a line.
How to get — or avoid — the Trump commemorative passport
If you want the America‑250 passport: book an appointment at the Washington Passport Agency or attend a State Department‑designated special event and apply in person. Mail renewals, online renewals, and embassy/consulate processing do not qualify. If you don’t want the portrait, request the 50‑page passport book when you apply in person and you’ll get the regular design. Bottom line: in‑person only, limited run, and ask clearly for the 50‑page book if you want to steer clear of the commemorative artwork.
Why this kerfuffle matters — and a word about public media
This episode is small but telling. A roll‑out that puts a sitting President’s portrait on a passport will spark emotion on both sides, and sloppy reporting about page counts — 28 vs. 26 — only adds needless confusion. Public radio ran the how‑to, and critics will nudge about “taxpayer‑funded NPR”; fair point to raise, though public broadcasting’s cash comes from a mix of members, stations, underwriting, and relatively limited federal support. The bigger point is simple: when the government issues a limited keepsake, citizens deserve clear, accurate instructions — not rushed copy that sends lines of people across state lines chasing the wrong page count. If you care one way or the other, check the State Department’s guidance and move fast — these are limited editions, and nobody wants to miss out because someone misread the fine print.
