The United States plans to launch its redesigned “Flight of the Eagle” passport in 2028 with a standardized 38-page format, new historical artwork and a larger gold Great Seal. First-time passport applications are also planned to move online through America.gov in 2027, while presentation images have raised questions about whether President Donald Trump’s image will appear in the standard passport.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump personally welcomed Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in an unusually elaborate airport ceremony featuring a red carpet, military honors and a bomber flyover. Trump’s winter coat and gloves drew online attention, while the welcome also faced criticism from Republican lawmakers amid wider disputes over China policy, Iran, media access and domestic politics.
The United States has approved a proposed $24.3bn sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, subject to congressional review. The decision comes amid renewed fighting with Yemen’s Houthis, Saudi requests for greater US support, concerns over Chinese access to sensitive military technology, and continued debate over Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Trump’s threat against Bombardier links US market access, Gulfstream certification and Canada trade tensions, with the exact scope of any sales ban still a key question.
Trump plans to fly Qatar-gifted Boeing jet to Ireland after security upgrades raised questions over presidential aircraft protection.
American Airlines (AA) is preparing to contribute $1,000 to Trump Accounts opened for eligible children of its employees, matching the federal government’s one-time contribution.
US immigrant visa applications face a worldwide pause as consular training disrupts interviews and adds uncertainty for applicants.
The Trump administration’s suspension of immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries has been struck down by a federal judge in Manhattan.
United Airlines (UA) is among the companies that sponsored The Great American Road Trip, the family reality series produced while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was serving in the Trump administration.
Trump’s F-35 sale to Türkiye remains stalled as Congress, S-400 sanctions, and Israel’s concerns delay approval.