With DeSantis signature, Trump airport renaming comes in for landing

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Travelers in Palm Beach soon will be able to drive down President Donald J. Trump Boulevard to catch a flight at President Donald J. Trump International Airport, all in the shadow of nearby Mar-a-Lago, owned by President Donald J. Trump.

Gov. Ron DeSantis quietly signed legislation Monday renaming Palm Beach International Airport after the Republican president, carving into law what will eventually be a massive — and costly — rebranding to honor Trump.

State Republicans fought for the name change during Florida’s regular lawmaking session, contending it would be a fitting way to recognize Trump as the first president who resides in Florida — and who often holds court with world dignitaries at his “winter White House.” Democrats, though, criticized the idea as they oppose Trump’s policies and questioned the potential price of the move, something still undecided by the Legislature.

Despite DeSantis signing the bill with little fanfare as of Monday evening, Florida Republicans were quick to celebrate. The state GOP heralded the move as a “landmark tribute” for the president, while his son, Eric Trump, thanked Desantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida House and bill sponsor state Rep. Meg Weinberger (R-Palm Beach Gardens) for making it happen.

Democrats reacted to the new law by again slamming Republicans over the millions of dollars Florida is expected to pour into the newly named airport.

The Florida Senate’s initial budget recommendation included $2.75 million to help the airport pay for signage, branding elements and website updates associated with the renaming. But lawmakers originally sought $5.5 million for the project, indicating the Legislature could ultimately kick in more funding as they reconvene to tackle the state budget in the coming weeks.

“Your money is being misused to celebrate the man who caused gas prices to rise to over four dollars a gallon, grocery costs to shoot up, and health care prices to spike,” state House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said in a statement, “Republicans are out of touch when it comes to the real issues impacting Floridians. The people of Florida did not ask for this. It’s clear Tallahassee Republicans care more about political stunts than they care about your wallet.”

Ahead of Florida passing its legislation, the Trump family company filed three trademark applications for “DJT,” “Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” These wide-ranging trademarks could ultimately cover watches, jewelry, clothing and more, emblazoned with the airport’s potential new name.

The Trump organization, for its part, has maintained that the president and his family will not receive royalties, licensing fees or financial considerations from the airport renaming.

The name change would hinge on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and a potential rights agreement for the commercial use of Trump’s moniker.

To that end, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida) last week filed federal legislation carrying out the DJT name change for Palm Beach International.

“Think of New York’s JFK or Washington’s Reagan National,” Mast said. “Those two airports were named after undeniably impactful presidencies, and I believe we should continue that tradition.”

Last year, state lawmakers passed legislation naming a roadway in honor of Trump stretching from his Mar-a-Lago estate toward Palm Beach International. Other facilities have also taken on Trump’s name beyond Florida, including the Institute of Peace and Kennedy Center in Washington.