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. “We laughed at Russia when they had pictures of Lenin and Stalin everywhere,” he said. “Go to China, they had pictures of Mao everywhere. You go to North Korea, pictures of Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un.” He followed that up by stating, “We’re America, and I think we do less of that.” The sentiment reflects a broader discomfort with the current trend of placing the President’s name and image on various government projects and documents. I do appreciate that he is trying to be ‘delicate’ in his criticism This is not an isolated incident. We have seen a steady stream of initiatives aimed at linking Trump to federal property and paperwork. From banners on federal buildings to the upcoming inclusion of his signature on newly minted paper money, the strategy is consistent. The administration has pointed to the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 as a legal pathway to bypass historical norms that bar living people from being depicted on currency. However, when you look at all of it, critics argue that this is less about history and more about personal branding. https://t.co/BkbO8DAhFz pic.twitter.com/QY4tGjmJLu— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2026 The reaction from the other side of the aisle has been just as sharp. According to Time, Democratic lawmakers are pushing back hard against the passport design, with many echoing the concerns raised by Rep. Bacon. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland looked to the recent visit by King Charles when making his assessment. He said, “It’s a scary day in America when an actual King behaves more democratically than the President of the United States.” Even Kim Jong Un hasn’t puthis own face on their passports. Quite telling.— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) April 28, 2026 The criticism from Democrats goes beyond just the appearance of the passport. Many are pointing to the timing of these announcements, suggesting that the administration should be focusing on the economic struggles facing families today. Rep. Mike Levin of California expressed his frustration on X, noting, “You have got to be kidding me. The State Department is putting Donald Trump’s scowling face on the U.S. passport. His signature in gold. Superimposed over the Declaration of Independence, a document literally written to get away from this exact behavior.” You have got to be kidding me. The State Department is putting Donald Trump’s scowling face on the U.S. passport. His signature in gold. Superimposed over the Declaration of Independence, a document literally written to get away from this exact behavior. No sitting… pic.twitter.com/oXYCsY1MMV— Mike Levin (@MikeLevin) April 28, 2026 He added, “No sitting President has ever done this. Coins, park passes, battleships, and now your passport. The man cannot find a surface he will not slap his name or face on. This is not patriotism. It is vanity.” The House Foreign Affairs Committee has characterized the passport as a distraction from the current energy crisis, specifically noting the impact of rising oil and gas prices. Brent crude oil has climbed above $114 per barrel, and national gas averages hover around $4.23 per gallon. AOC on Trump’s face on passports:It’s giving Monopoly money. I think he’s jealous that Mount Rushmore got a page—you’ve got four presidents in there. He’s probably saying, why don’t I get a passport page? pic.twitter.com/n6wHNJfDsE— Acyn (@Acyn) April 29, 2026 So, the frustration among lawmakers is palpable. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York even introduced the Humble Presidents Act on April 16 to try to curb what she sees as the use of government assets for personal branding. Despite the pushback, the White House maintains that these designs are meant to foster a sense of national pride. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told The Hill that the design provides a great way for Americans to join in the celebrations for the country’s 250th birthday. Americans: “Are you ever going to work on making things more affordable?”Trump: “Quit complaining! Now, check out the new US passport with my face on it.” pic.twitter.com/WtliYDozwu— Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) April 28, 2026 She later told Time that, “President Trump wants all Americans to enjoy the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this year—and it’s a shame that Democrats are choosing partisan politics over unity.” For his part, Rep. Bacon, who is not seeking reelection, seems to believe that these moves are driven by those within the administration who are looking to gain favor with the President. “I just think there’s a little bit of overreach by some of the subordinates of the president who are trying to cater for his attention,” he said. Asked @SenatorWarnock about Donald Trump putting his face on the U.S. passport. "Trump puts his name on everything," he said, "apparently he thinks he's Jesus Christ." pic.twitter.com/yY1tkXoeXk— Pablo Manríquez (@PabloReports) April 29, 2026 His assessment was final: “It’s really not America to do this.”