Trump's image to appear on limited-edition passports for America's 250th
The State Department is releasing a limited-edition U.S. passport to mark America's 250th anniversary and the document will feature President Donald Trump's image and signature on the inside cover, a White House official and a source familiar with the move confirmed.
The inner page will feature Trump's portrait over a stylized image of the Declaration of Independence, according to mock-ups posted to social media by the State Department.
Under current plans, the limited-edition passport will only be available through the Washington Passport Agency, while other offices and the online renewal system will still issue the standard design, a State Department official told ABC News.
However, the official said that while the limited-edition passport is available, applicants who receive a passport through the Washington Passport Agency will only be issued that design -- they cannot opt out.
Currently, the Washington Passport Agency offers services by appointment only. In order to book an appointment, applicants must have proof of international travel within two weeks and agree to pay a $60 dollar expedite fee.
A department official said the passport would be made available without any additional fees. It’s unclear whether the Trump administration might also waive the requirement to show proof of imminent international travel, and when these changes may take effect.
In announcing the limited-edition passport, a White House spokesperson said in a statement that "President Trump’s new patriotic passport design provides yet another great way Americans can join in the spectacular celebrations for America’s 250th birthday."
"President Trump continues to proudly lead a renewal of national pride and patriotism during our historic semiquincentennial celebration," the spokesperson said.
In March, the Treasury Department announced that Trump’s signature would be added to future U.S. paper currency, making him the first sitting president to have their name appear on currency.
The Treasury said the decision was also in honor of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
The announcement followed efforts to create two coins with Trump's image on them, a $1 coin and a special 24-karat commemorative gold coin.
President Calvin Coolidge was the only sitting president to have a coin with his image on it.
Federal law says no living president can appear on U.S. currency, though the administration has argued the restriction does not apply to coins.
