A Cuban-American woman recently sparked controversy by posting a video on X where she labels Donald Trump a "dictator" and refuses to apply for her daughter's passport as long as it features the former president's image. Her remarks triggered a wave of criticism, with many pointing out the irony of likening the United States to a dictatorship.
This video follows the announcement of new commemorative passports featuring Trump's image, a limited edition of 25,000 units set to be released by the State Department in July 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In the clip, the woman displays her U.S. passport and states, "By 2034, I hope that dictator is no longer around. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if they put Mickey Mouse on it. Anything but his face."
She goes on to declare that she won't process her daughter's passport: "She won't have a passport with that man's face on it. I refuse. Do you understand? And I'm within my rights."
The video was met with widespread criticism, as numerous commenters questioned the logic behind her statements.
Reactions to the Video
Mayra Dominguez, who shared the clip on her X account, commented: "Hearing a Cuban-American speak of living in a dictatorship and calling Donald Trump a dictator is contradictory and incoherent. You have every right to express your opinion, but that doesn't make it accurate."
Another comment was more blunt: "Dictator because they no longer have the leniency they had with the Democrats. If she's so uncomfortable, she should renounce her citizenship and return to Cuba."
A third user reflected more broadly on the community: "Democracy wasn't made for Cubans; the democratic republican history of Cuba is very short. In Cuba, there's always been a dictatorship of one kind or another."
Divided Opinions Among Cuban Exiles
The debate highlights the deep division within the Cuban exile community in Miami regarding Trump. While a significant portion supports him for his tough stance against the Castro regime, others—especially more recent migrants—criticize him for ending the humanitarian visa program for Cubans in 2025.
The claim of Trump being a "dictator" is particularly offensive to those who have experienced or understand firsthand the Castro dictatorship, where there's no freedom of the press, free elections, or the right to protest without fear of imprisonment.
Controversy Over Commemorative Passport
The U.S. commemorative passport features a portrait of Trump taken during his second inauguration, surrounded by the text of the Declaration of Independence and his signature in gold letters. This marks the first time in history that a living president is depicted on the document.
The announcement also stirred national controversy. Former official Desirée Cormier Smith criticized it as "inconsistent with democratic principles" and more akin to "a monarchy or worse, a cult idolizing its leader." Recent changes in U.S. passport mobility had already fueled debate among travelers and migrants.
Dominguez concluded her post by defending the democratic system: "Donald Trump was elected by the majority and has not stopped working for this great country. If you don't like it, you have no choice but to wait for the next elections. God bless the United States of America."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trump Passport Controversy
Why is Trump's image on U.S. passports controversial?
The inclusion of Donald Trump's image on U.S. passports is controversial because it is seen by some as inconsistent with democratic principles, likening it to actions more typical of a monarchy or personality cult.
What is the reaction of the Cuban-American community in Miami?
The Cuban-American community in Miami is divided. While many support Trump for his hardline policies against Cuba, others, particularly newer migrants, criticize him for ending certain humanitarian programs.
What are the features of the new commemorative passport?
The new commemorative passport includes a portrait of Trump from his second inauguration, framed by the text of the Declaration of Independence and his signature in gold letters. It is a limited edition to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.