US unveils redesigned 'Flight of the Eagle' passport and online application
Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a redesigned US passport due in 2028 and an online application through America.gov, with first-time online applications due to start next year.
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The story, neutrally told
On 29 September, at President Donald Trump's America.gov event, Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented a redesigned US passport and a new online application process. NewsweekN “Speaking at President Donald Trump's America.gov Event on September 29, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demonstrated a new passport application process” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “During remarks delivered at President Donald Trump's America.gov Event on September 29” Read at Hindustan Times ↗ The changes are part of America.gov, an AI-powered government services platform launched on Tuesday that the administration describes as a single digital point of entry. NewsweekN “touting it as a "single digital point of entry" designed to simplify how Americans access government services.” Read at Newsweek ↗ Rubio said first-time applicants will be able to apply entirely online from next year, logging in through login.gov, using information the government already holds, uploading their own photo and paying online. NewsweekN “Applicants will log in through login.gov, use information already held by the government, upload a passport photo from their device, pay online” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “authenticating credentials through login.gov” Read at Hindustan Times ↗
His stated goal is for the "vast majority of Americans" to be able to apply for a passport or passport card online by the end of 2027, with real-time tracking of delivery. NewsweekN “the goal is for the "vast majority of Americans" to be able to apply for a passport or passport card through the online platform by the end of 2027” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “the platform incorporates real-time tracking functionality” Read at Hindustan Times ↗ The new design, called "Flight of the Eagle" and expected in 2028, centres on the American eagle, with a larger "more gold" Great Seal on the cover. NewsweekN “The new cover features a larger "more gold" Great Seal” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “Flight of the Eagle” Read at Hindustan Times ↗ Inside, pages show moments in US history including the American Revolution, westward expansion, Iwo Jima and NASA's Artemis missions, and Newsweek adds an animation of an eagle in flight when pages are flipped. NewsweekN “Another new visual feature that Rubio also presented was an animation that gives the impression of an eagle in flight” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima, and NASA's contemporary Artemis missions” Read at Hindustan Times ↗
Rubio argued the current system lets outside companies profit from a process that should be simpler. NewsweekN “Rubio argued that the current system has created opportunities for outside companies to profit” Read at Newsweek ↗ Existing passports stay valid until expiry, and the redesign is not expected to change international travel requirements. NewsweekN “Existing U.S. passports will remain valid until their stated expiration date” Read at Newsweek ↗ Hindustan TimesN “The redesigned passport is not expected to alter international travel requirements.” Read at Hindustan Times ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.
Left0 outlets
No left outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
Centre2 outlets
- Framing
- Both outlets run explanatory 'what has changed' pieces that relay Rubio's presentation almost entirely in his words, with practical guidance for travellers.
- Emphasis
- The online application, tracking, the eagle-themed design, and that existing passports stay valid.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Neither includes independent expert comment, criticism, cost or security detail beyond Rubio's assurances.
- Charged language
- “Flight of the Eagle”“beautiful”“uniquely American”
- For example
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“For most travelers, the practical benefits are likely to come from the digital application process rather than the passport's appearance.” — Newsweek
“Know about online process, premium packaging and what has changed” — Hindustan Times
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Rubio presented the redesign at the America.gov event on 29 September.
- First-time applicants are due to be able to apply fully online from next year via America.gov and login.gov.
- The new passport is expected in 2028; existing passports remain valid until expiry.
Donald Trump person
The Trump administration presents America.gov as a single digital entry point to government services, including the passport changes.
“touting it as a "single digital point of entry" designed to simplify how Americans access government services.” — Newsweek
Left0 articles
No coverage yet.
Centre2 articles
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US Unveils New Look for Passports. Here's What Has Changed
Neutral Practical explainer relaying Rubio's claims, with context on earlier redesigns and the 2026 Patriot Passport.
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Neutral Near-identical explainer to Newsweek's, with 'Flight of the Eagle' and premium packaging in the headline.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 30 Sep 11:39 First NewsweekN US Unveils New Look for Passports. Here's What Has Changed
- 30 Sep 12:48 +1h 9m Hindustan TimesN US unveils new ‘Flight of the Eagle’ passport: Know about online process, premium packaging and what has changed
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.