Florida lawmakers have approved a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport in honour of U.S. President Donald Trump, marking the latest effort to attach his name to a major public institution. If signed into law, the airport will be officially renamed “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The measure now awaits the signature of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to approve it. Palm Beach holds personal significance for Trump, as it is home to his Mar-a-Lago estate. The airport, located just minutes from the property, serves as a key gateway to the upscale coastal town known for its beaches and luxury residences. The renaming, however, will also require federal clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before it can officially take effect.
Expanding Trump’s Institutional Legacy
The airport proposal is part of a broader pattern of efforts to brand public institutions with Trump’s name. In December, the board overseeing the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—commonly known as the Kennedy Center—voted to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” The arts complex in Washington, D.C., was originally established as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy. That same month, the United States Institute of Peace was also reported to have incorporated Trump’s name into its designation following administrative changes.
Other Renaming Efforts and Proposals
According to U.S. media reports, there have also been discussions about renaming major transportation hubs such as Penn Station in New York and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump. Those proposals, however, did not advance. Meanwhile, the United States Department of the Treasury has confirmed that draft designs have been prepared for a commemorative $1 coin bearing Trump’s likeness. U.S. law generally prohibits the depiction of living or sitting presidents on circulating currency. In another symbolic gesture, a large banner featuring Trump’s image was recently displayed at the headquarters of the United States Department of Justice, an agency traditionally viewed as operating independently of political branding.
What Happens Next?
For the Palm Beach airport renaming to move forward, federal regulators must first grant approval. If cleared, it would represent one of the most prominent public facilities in the United States to carry Trump’s name while he remains a central figure in American politics. The development is likely to spark debate over the appropriateness of renaming public institutions after sitting presidents, particularly given longstanding traditions and legal considerations surrounding federal properties and national symbols.
