In spite of the criticism surrounding the Florida Legislature’s decision to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, this action would add him to a list of presidents who have had their names linked to various airport terminals nationwide.
Should Governor Ron DeSantis and the Federal Aviation Administration approve it, Palm Beach International Airport would be the ninth commercial airport in the U.S. to carry Trump’s name, joining several others from New York to Houston.
If the bill becomes law, the change is set to take effect on July 1. Reports indicate that Trump would be the first sitting president to receive this honor.
Its location, just minutes away from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, adds particular significance to Palm Beach International Airport.
After the bill passed through the Florida House and Senate, some state Democrats expressed concerns regarding the costs involved in the renaming and the absence of local input, as reported by sources.
Meanwhile, Stephen Chan, the White House communications director, remarked that the name “sounds good.”
Here’s a list of eight commercial airports already named after former presidents:
1. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI)
Located in Springfield, Illinois, this airport was renamed in 2004 for the 16th president, who had deep ties to the state. Initially, it was known as Capital Airport when it opened in 1947.
2. Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK)
This airport began operations in 1959 and later adopted its current name to honor President Theodore Roosevelt, acknowledging its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and his legacy in North Dakota.
3. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower International Airport (ICT)
In November 2014, Wichita’s airport was renamed to honor the 34th president, thanks to a citizen-led petition recognizing his ties to the state of Kansas.
4. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Shortly after his assassination in 1963, this airport was renamed from Idlewild Airport in tribute to John F. Kennedy, with the announcement coming just weeks later on Christmas Eve.
5. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
In 1999, Grand Rapids’ airport was dedicated to the 38th president, who had long represented Michigan before his presidency.
6. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
This airport was renamed in 1998 in honor of the 40th president, marking the first update to its name since its opening in 1941.
7. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Renamed in 1997 after the former president, this airport reflects George H.W. Bush’s close connections to Houston, where he lived and worked for years.
8. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT)
In March 2012, this airport was renamed to acknowledge both Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton’s longstanding ties to Arkansas, replacing the previous name of Little Rock National Airport.
