Top Headlines

Feeds

Florida Legislature Approves Renaming Palm Beach Airport After Trump, Awaiting Governor and FAA Sign‑off

Updated (6 articles)

Legislative Passage Clears Both Chambers The Florida House approved the rename 81‑30 on Feb 18, and the Senate followed with a 25‑11 vote on Feb 19, both overwhelmingly Republican [1][2][3]. The measure designates the facility “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis for signature and to the FAA for clearance [2]. If signed, the change is slated to become effective at the start of July [2]. The bill’s rapid progression marks the first successful state‑level effort to name a major airport after a sitting president [4].

Proximity to Mar‑a‑Lago Cited as Naming Rationale Republican leaders highlighted Trump’s declared permanent Florida residency and the airport’s location only five miles from his Mar‑a‑Lago estate [2]. Rep. Meg Weinberger explicitly linked the short distance to the justification for the honor [2]. Supporters argue the rename reinforces Florida’s “Trump‑friendly” brand and leverages the former president’s local presence [1]. Opponents note the decision bypassed any formal input from Palm Beach County residents [2].

Trademark Filing Raises Profit and Branding Questions The Trump Organization submitted three trademark applications covering “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” and the abbreviation “DJT,” a move described as unprecedented for a sitting president [4][3]. Attorney Josh Gerben warned the unusually broad filing—listing items from watches to “plastic slippers”—could enable future licensing despite the organization’s claim that no royalties will be paid [3][4]. State Sen. Shevrin Jones attempted an amendment to block any Trump‑family earnings, but the proposal failed in both chambers [3]. Kimberly Benza of the Trump Organization reiterated that the family will receive no licensing fees from the rename [3][4].

Democratic Opposition Focuses on Process and Profit Risks Democrats uniformly opposed the bill, arguing it ignored local stakeholder input and could financially benefit the Trump brand [2][3]. Rep. Lois Frankel labeled the legislation “misguided and unfair,” while Rep. Shevrin Jones withdrew support after the trademark filing and a controversial Truth Social video surfaced [3]. The Senate’s amendment to prevent royalties did not pass, leaving the profit question unresolved pending the final signature [2].

Sources

Related Tickers

by TradingView

Timeline

Dec 23, 2025 – President Trump announces a new “Trump Class” battleship fleet equipped with missiles, nuclear weapons and lasers, extending his personal branding to the Navy; the Kennedy Center’s board votes to add his name alongside the former president’s, and the Institute for Peace is renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace, signaling a broader push to attach his name to national institutions[3].

Jan 2026 – A four‑mile stretch from Palm Beach International Airport to Mar‑a‑Lago is dedicated as “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard” in a ceremony at the president’s Florida residence, illustrating the rapid rollout of Trump‑named public assets[5].

Mid‑Feb 2026 (≈Feb 13) – The Florida House of Representatives passes the airport‑rename bill 81‑30, moving the measure to the Senate; Rep. Shevrin Jones withdraws his support, saying “the trademark filing and a racist video … led me to withdraw my support,” and his amendment to block royalties fails[2].

Feb 17, 2026 – The Trump Organization files three trademark applications covering “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” and “DJT,” a move trademark attorney Josh Gerben calls “completely unprecedented” for a sitting president[4].

Feb 18, 2026 – Democrats raise profit concerns after the trademark filing lists a broad range of goods, from watches to “plastic slippers” for security; Kimberly Benza of the Trump Organization asserts the family “will receive no licensing fees” and denies any royalty payments[2][1].

Feb 19, 2026 – The Florida Senate approves the rename 25‑11, with all Democrats opposing; Rep. Meg Weinberger notes Trump “lives five miles from the hub,” while Rep. Lois Frankel calls the legislation “misguided and unfair” for bypassing local input[1].

Feb 20, 2026 – The rename bill awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’s signature and FAA clearance, slated to take effect at the start of July 2026; the Treasury confirms a commemorative $1 coin featuring Trump’s likeness is being designed, and a blue banner with his portrait drapes the Justice Department headquarters[1][6].

July 2026 (planned) – The airport officially becomes “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” once the governor signs the bill and the FAA grants approval, marking the first instance of a major U.S. airport being renamed for a sitting president[1].

Future proposals (2026 onward) – Lawmakers and activists debate additional renamings of airports and transit infrastructure nationwide, while Senator Bernie Sanders introduces legislation to bar naming federal buildings after a living president, warning the practice “reflects narcissism”[5].

Social media (1 posts)

All related articles (6 articles)

External resources (5 links)