DeSantis clears renaming of Florida airport after Trump for takeoff
DeSantis clears renaming of Florida airport after Trump for takeoff
‘Brander in chief’ Trump puts his mark on the federal government
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed legislation that could rename the Palm Beach International Airport to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” following approval by the state’s House and Senate last month. The change, which requires federal endorsement, will become official on July 1 once cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon FAA approval, the renaming will officially take effect on July 1.
Alongside the name update, the bill mandates that official state records, such as maps, reflect the new designation. The airport’s current code, PBI, will be replaced with “DJT” in alignment with the proposed moniker. This move marks another instance of Trump’s influence extending into state infrastructure.
The initiative was spearheaded by state Representative Meg Weinberger, who previously participated in the unveiling of signage for “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard” at Mar-a-Lago. The four-mile stretch between the airport and Trump’s private club was renamed from Southern Boulevard earlier this year. Weinberger expressed pride in the effort, stating, “I am proud to have played a role in to make that happen, and I’m looking forward to the airport where greatness takes off,” according to her remarks.
“I am proud to have played a role in to make that happen, and I’m looking forward to the airport where greatness takes off,” said Meg Weinberger, a Republican.
Other projects bearing Trump’s name include the Kennedy Center, the US Institute of Peace, and the administration’s prescription drug website. His brand has also been associated with a high-dollar visa program, a fighter jet, and various coins. The Trump Organization has filed trademarks for these entities, raising questions about potential financial benefits.
Florida Democrats have voiced concerns about whether Trump or his family could profit from the airport renaming. A spokesperson for the Trump Organization clarified in February that no royalties or licensing fees will be received from the change. The House bill explicitly states that the branding will be provided at no cost to the state.
“To be clear, the President and his family will not receive any royalty, licensing fee, or financial consideration whatsoever from the proposed airport renaming,” said Kimberly Benza, Trump Organization director of executive operations.
The legislation necessitates a license agreement from The Trump Organization, which Benza described as “willing to provide this right to his hometown county at no charge.” CNN’s Kit Maher contributed to this report.
