The Florida House of Representatives voted 81-30 on Tuesday to rename Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, a move that advances a similar measure currently under consideration in the Florida Senate. The bill, HB 919, passed despite ongoing debate regarding state funding, trademarking rights, and President Trump’s legal challenges.
Supporters of the renaming emphasized Trump’s connection to the area, noting his frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago, located just five miles from the airport. Representative Meg Weinberger, R-Palm Beach Gardens, a co-sponsor of the bill, stated the airport renaming is fitting given the President’s frequent use of the facility. Representative Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine, a former air traffic controller and also a bill co-sponsor, highlighted what she described as infrastructure investments made during the Trump administration to modernize airport facilities.
The advancement of the legislation coincides with efforts by President Trump’s legal team to secure trademarks related to the proposed airport name. Attorneys filed applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” and “DJT,” a reference to the President’s initials, according to filings reported by USA Today. Michael Santucci, of the Fort Lauderdale-based 500Law, representing Trump, stated the trademark filings are intended to protect the President’s legal rights and prevent misuse of his name, characterizing it as “the most infringed trademark in the world.” Santucci also affirmed that the Trump Organization would not seek any financial compensation from the renaming.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from Democrats who raised concerns about Trump’s past conduct, including his two impeachments and recent 34 felony convictions in New York for falsifying business records. Representative Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, expressed reservations about honoring Trump given his “legacy.” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, pointed to the filing by DTTM Operations LLC, a Delaware-based entity managed by The Trump Organization, for trademark rights as evidence of a potential financial benefit to the former President. Driskell characterized the situation as a “grift,” suggesting the trademarks could necessitate DTTM Operations’ involvement in any licensing deals related to the airport’s name.
The Florida Senate Rules Committee has already cleared a similar bill, SB 706, moving it closer to a full Senate vote. The outcome of the Senate vote remains uncertain, and the legislation would still require the signature of Florida’s Governor to become law. The potential financial implications of the trademark filings, and whether the Trump Organization will ultimately benefit financially from the renaming, remain unclear.
