(C) People.com
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The Florida State Legislature has officially approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to "Donald J. Trump President International Airport." The legislation now heads to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis for his signature, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to codify the former and current president’s legacy within his home state.
Legislative Journey and Vote Count
The measure saw swift movement through the Republican-controlled chambers this week. On Thursday, the State Senate passed the bill in a 25-11 vote, following the House's earlier approval on Tuesday with an 81-30 margin.
The voting patterns strictly followed party lines, reflecting the deep political divide surrounding the 47th President. Supporters argued the renaming serves as a tribute to Trump’s contributions to Florida and the nation, while critics slammed the move as a partisan endorsement of a controversial legacy.
Arguments from the Floor
State Senator Debbie Mayfield (R), the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the honor transcends personal opinions of the man. "Regardless of one’s personal views of the President, Donald Trump has achieved meaningful milestones for the State of Florida and the United States," Mayfield stated during the session.
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Danny Burgess (R) described the renaming as a way to honor the work Trump has done "to save America."
However, Democratic lawmakers voiced sharp opposition. State Senator Lavon Bracey Davis (D) argued that naming a major international gateway is more than a simple branding change.
"Naming a major airport is not just about putting a sign on a building; it is a public endorsement of a legacy," Davis said. She pointed to Trump’s past rhetoric regarding immigrants and specific nations as reasons why such an endorsement is inappropriate for a public facility.
U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (D), whose district includes West Palm Beach, criticized the speed of the legislative process, claiming that the residents of Palm Beach County were denied a proper voice in the decision. "This is wrong and it is unfair," Frankel told Reuters.
Proximity and Precedent
The airport is located just eight kilometers (approximately five miles) from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. The area is already becoming a geographic shrine to the President; the road connecting the two locations was recently renamed "Donald J. Trump President Boulevard." A ceremony marking that name change was held at Mar-a-Lago last month with Trump in attendance.
This proposal follows a broader trend of renaming public infrastructure in Trump’s honor since his inauguration in January 2025. Other notable examples include:
The Kennedy Center: The performing arts venue in Washington D.C. was renamed the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
U.S. Navy Vessels: Future classes of large naval warships have been designated as the "Trump-class."
The Road Ahead: Hurdles and Costs
Despite the legislative victory, several hurdles remain before the signage at the airport is officially swapped.
Gubernatorial Approval: Governor Ron DeSantis has not yet publicly committed to signing the bill, though he has historically aligned with such initiatives.
Federal Approval: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must formally approve the name change for navigation and regulatory purposes.
Intellectual Property: The state must reach a trademark agreement with The Trump Organization, the President’s private family holding company which owns the rights to the "Trump" brand.
Fiscal Impact: Estimates suggest the rebranding effort—including signage, digital updates, and stationery—could cost upwards of $5.5 million (approx. 8 billion KRW), a figure that some fiscal hawks find daunting.
Experts predict the full transition could take between one to two years, though no significant legal roadblocks are expected to stop the process.
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