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Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump Amid Trademark Filing
Florida lawmakers have approved legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport after former President Donald Trump, a move that comes just days after the Trump family company filed trademark applications for the use of the president’s name on airports.
The bill to change the name to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” passed the Florida Senate on Thursday and now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature. If approved by the Republican governor and subsequently by the Federal Aviation Administration, the name change would take effect in July 2024.
When questioned about DeSantis’ intentions regarding the bill, press secretary Molly Best stated on Friday that the governor had not yet received the legislation but would “review it in its final form” upon arrival.
The legislation effectively transfers naming authority for large commercial airports in Florida to the state government. While maintaining the current names of Florida’s six other major commercial airports, lawmakers specifically targeted the West Palm Beach facility for renaming, which is located near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach. The bill designates airport names as “branding designations” only, without requiring the creation of new legal entities.
The rebranding effort comes with a significant price tag, with implementation costs estimated at up to $5.5 million for new signage, branding materials, and related updates throughout the facility.
The timing of the approval is notable, occurring shortly after the Trump Organization filed applications with the federal trademark office seeking exclusive rights to use the former president’s name on airports and dozens of airport-related items, from shuttle buses to umbrellas and flight suits. The Trump Organization defended these applications, stating they were prompted by the Florida bill and aimed at preventing “bad actors” from misusing the Trump name, which they characterized as “the most infringed trademark in the world.”
Unlike his presidential predecessors who typically waited for posthumous recognition, Trump has actively participated in naming efforts during his lifetime. His appointed board voted last year to rename Washington’s premier performing arts venue as the Trump Kennedy Center, despite Congress originally naming it for President John F. Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Trump allies have also attached his name to the U.S. Institute of Peace and a new class of battleships still in development.
Other Trump-branded government initiatives include “Trump Accounts” for tax-deferred investments, the TrumpRx government website for direct prescription drug sales, and the “Trump Gold Card” visa program with a minimum cost of $1 million.
Palm Beach County’s political landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. Once a Democratic stronghold, the area has increasingly leaned right due to an influx of wealthy conservative residents, particularly in Trump’s home town of Palm Beach and surrounding affluent communities. Nevertheless, the county voted for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris over Trump by an extremely narrow margin in the 2024 election—less than 6,000 votes out of more than 748,000 cast.
Republican State Senator Debbie Mayfield, who sponsored the Senate bill, defended the name change as appropriate given Trump’s status as a local resident. However, U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, a Democrat whose district encompasses the airport, criticized the move as “misguided and unfair.” Frankel argued that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature had bypassed proper local consultation, stating, “Decisions about naming major infrastructure should wait until after an honoree’s service has concluded—and should include meaningful input from the local residents and communities most directly affected.”
The airport naming controversy highlights the ongoing political divisions in Florida and raises questions about the appropriateness of naming public infrastructure after living political figures, particularly in regions where electoral support remains closely divided.
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11 Comments
As someone who frequently travels through Palm Beach International, I’m curious to hear more about the rationale behind this proposed name change. What are the anticipated benefits, and how will it impact the airport’s operations and user experience?
As a frequent flyer through Palm Beach, I’m skeptical about the value of this proposed name change. I’d be more interested in hearing about investments in airport infrastructure, expanded flight options, or other practical improvements that would benefit travelers.
Interesting move to rename Palm Beach International Airport after former President Trump. While symbolically significant, I wonder if this is the best use of legislative time and resources. Curious to see how the public and aviation industry react.
Valid point. The name change may generate more controversy than practical benefits for the airport or the state. It will be interesting to see if Governor DeSantis decides to sign the bill.
While I understand the desire to honor former presidents, I’m not convinced this is the best way to do it for an international airport. Hopefully the legislative process will consider the practical implications and public sentiment on this proposal.
That’s a fair perspective. An airport renaming should balance historical recognition with practical considerations for travelers and the broader community. Will be interesting to see how this plays out.
While I respect the desire to honor former presidents, renaming an international airport feels like it could create more confusion than clarity. I wonder if there are other ways to recognize Trump’s legacy that wouldn’t impact airport operations and passenger experience.
Good point. An airport renaming should prioritize functionality and accessibility over political symbolism. Curious to see if this proposal generates pushback from the local community or aviation authorities.
This seems like a political move rather than one focused on improving the airport’s operations or passenger experience. I’d be more interested in hearing about infrastructure upgrades or efficiency improvements at the facility.
I agree. Airport renaming should prioritize functionality and passenger needs over political symbolism. Curious to see if this proposed change generates pushback from the local community or aviation authorities.
This seems like more of a symbolic political gesture than a substantive improvement for the airport. I’d be more interested in hearing about infrastructure upgrades, increased flight options, or other enhancements that would directly benefit passengers.