Florida legislature approves renaming Palm Beach airport after Trump

Florida lawmakers have approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after U.S. President Donald Trump, sending the measure to Governor Ron DeSantis and requiring federal approval before it takes effect.

Florida’s Republican‑led legislature approved the legislation Thursday to rename the airport as the President Donald J. Trump International Airport, passing the Senate by a 25–11 vote after the House approved it 81–30, with Democrats opposed. (Reuters) The measure now moves to Governor Ron DeSantis, who has not yet said whether he will sign it, and would also require the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval before any name change can be implemented. (Tampa Bay Times)

Opposition lawmakers expressed concern that local residents were not sufficiently consulted. U.S. Representative Lois Frankel said, It’s misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving County residents a real opportunity for input. (Reuters) Supporters point to the proximity of the airport to the Mar‑a‑Lago estate and Trump’s ties to the state, as the move follows prior decisions related to properties tied to the former president. (Reuters)

If signed and cleared by FAA, the airport in Palm Beach would become another institution bearing the name of Donald Trump, reflecting his high profile in the state he made his primary residence after 2019. The pending change comes amid broader efforts in Florida to honor or memorialize Trump’s presence and influence, underscoring the enduring political and cultural debate over his legacy.

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