Trump Seeks to Profit from Palm Beach Airport Renaming

Florida lawmakers propose amendment to block Trump from profiting off airport name change

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump has filed trademark applications to reserve his name for use as the brand of an airport, and he is now pushing for the Palm Beach airport to be renamed in his honor. However, Florida lawmakers have proposed an amendment that would bar anyone from profiting from name royalties, licensing, or trademark fees related to the airport's name change.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about former President Trump's continued efforts to profit from his political connections and the naming of public infrastructure. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer-funded assets and whether elected officials should be allowed to personally benefit from such decisions.

The details

Trump spoke to the press about how he would profit if the Palm Beach airport changed its name to honor him. Florida lawmakers proposed a slight amendment to the legislation that would bar anyone from profiting from name royalties, licensing, or trademark fees related to the airport's name change. State Sen. Shevrin Jones, the next Senate Democratic Leader, proposed the amendment that was shot down by Republicans.

  • On his way back home to Washington, President Donald Trump spoke to the press about the potential name change.
  • Florida lawmakers proposed an amendment to the legislation to block anyone from profiting off the airport's name change.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has filed trademark applications to reserve his name for use as the brand of an airport.

Shevrin Jones

State Senator and next Senate Democratic Leader in Florida who proposed an amendment to block anyone from profiting off the airport's name change.

Lori Berman

Florida state senate Democratic leader who pointed out that Palm Beach voted against Trump in the 2024 elections and called the trademark issue "very troubling."

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What they’re saying

“You say that you are allies. But I need you to be accomplices to the Black community,”

— Shevrin Jones, State Senator and next Senate Democratic Leader (Florida Politics)

“This (has) nothing to do with party (or) race. This has everything to do with the state of Florida figuring out what our litmus test is going to be when we say (what) enough is enough is supposed to be. I would think members, that this is where enough stops,”

— Shevrin Jones, State Senator and next Senate Democratic Leader (Florida Politics)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Florida state legislature will continue to debate the proposed amendment to block Trump from profiting off the airport's name change.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about former President Trump's efforts to leverage his political connections for personal financial gain, even after leaving office. It also raises broader questions about the appropriate use of public assets and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent elected officials from profiting off decisions related to taxpayer-funded infrastructure.