Florida legislation aims to rename Palm Beach airport after Trump

Florida Airport Renaming Bill Passes

The airport near President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate might soon bear his name, as both chambers of the Florida Legislature have approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after him.

In recent months, Trump’s name has appeared on various infrastructure, including the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Donald J. Trump Expressway in states like Florida and Oklahoma.

Additionally, Rep. Addison McDowell (R) proposed a bill aimed at removing former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles’ name from a Virginia airport, potentially paving the way for Presidents Trump and Reagan to be recognized in the state’s capital.

Senate Bill 706, which was sponsored by RNC Chairman Joe Gruters and Republican state Senator Debbie Mayfield, has cleared the Senate. It was merged with House Bill 919, led by state Rep. Meg Weinberger, whose district covers the airport. The House passed the bill early Friday.

The legislation modifies existing laws that define the names of several Florida airports, adding that the airport in West Palm Beach will be renamed to “Donald J. Trump Presidential International Airport.” The bill also allocates funding for Palm Beach County’s rebranding efforts.

Before the name change can be finalized, it requires approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Governor Ron DeSantis. A representative for DeSantis mentioned that he has not yet reviewed the bill but will evaluate it once it arrives at his office.

The Florida Democratic Party has raised concerns about the estimated $5 million costs associated with rebranding and highlighted potential benefits for the Trump family. They also suggested delaying any decision until 2029, after the current president’s term ends.

Rep. Lois Frankel of Florida voiced her opposition to the proposal, stating, “It is misguided and unfair that the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County and pushed forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving county residents a real opportunity to be heard.”

She further expressed that such decisions should wait until a president has finished their term and should involve meaningful input from local communities.