Palm Beach International Airport in Florida is set to be named after U.S. President Donald Trump if legislation passes. The very same airport that’s located just miles from his home at Mar-a-Lago.
On Thursday, February 19, Florida lawmakers approved the legislation by a 25–11 vote in the State Senate, just two days after it passed the House in an 81–30 vote.
The bill now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature to take effect July 1, with total costs estimated at approximately $5.5 million. If signed, the change would also require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before becoming official.
Trump Organization Sought Airport Trademark
Following the Florida’s bill introduction, the Trump Organization has since filed to trademark the use of the president’s name on airports but says it doesn’t plan on charging a fee and seeking royalities.
“To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming,” the company said it in a statement.
Trump was “deeply honored that the people of Florida are considering renaming his hometown airport in his honor.”
And the Trumps wanted “to protect the name for Palm Beach County and the state of Florida, thus preventing bad actors from infringing upon or misusing the name.”
This marks the first time a sitting president’s private company has sought trademark rights in advance for the name of an airport. Historically, airports have been named in honor of presidents after they left office.
For example, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Republicans Wish To Honor Trump
Florida Republicans say the name change would honor Trump as the first president to reside in Florida and for his contributions to the Sunshine State. He has lived at his resort since 1985.
“Regardless of your personal view on the president, his record speaks for itself — President Trump has delivered meaningful results for Florida and the United States,” argued bill sponsor state Sen. Debbie Mayfield.
“Fifty years from now, when we’re all not in this chamber and maybe not here on this earth, we’re going to look back and recognize what this president, this sitting president, did to save America,” Florida state senator Danny Burgess added during the debate.
Democrats Resist Despite Bill Passing
Despite decisive losses in both the House and the Senate, Democrats remain strongly opposed to the move, pointing to actions by the Trump administration that added the incumbent’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nation’s capital.
In addition, the party argues that the bill should be considered after Trump’s second term ends or until any potential repercussions from the Jeffrey Epstein files. West Palm Beach congresswoman Lois Frankel also contends that the lack of public input is a cause for concern among residents living near the airport and in the area.
“It’s misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving County residents a real opportunity for input,” said West Palm Beach congresswoman Lois Frankel.
“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.”