Florida Lawmakers Approve Renaming Airport After Trump, Raising Concerns Over Costs

The Trump Organization has trademarked the name "Donald J. Trump International Airport", sparking fears of licensing fees for the county.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Republican-controlled Florida State House has passed a bill to rename Palm Beach County International Airport to "Donald J. Trump International Airport". While Trump and his organization claim the county can use the name for free, a recent trademark filing by the Trump Organization for the airport name has raised suspicions that the county may have to pay licensing fees. Critics argue the name change is being rushed through without proper public input and should wait until Trump leaves office.

Why it matters

The renaming of the airport is the latest example of Trump attempting to attach his name to public assets, raising concerns that taxpayers may end up footing the bill. The trademark filing suggests the Trump Organization may seek to profit from the name change, contradicting their public assurances.

The details

The Florida State House bill allows Palm Beach County to rename the airport "Donald J. Trump International Airport" at no charge, according to Trump and the Trump Organization. However, the Trump Organization has simultaneously filed a trademark for the name "President Donald J. Trump International Airport" as well as Trump's initials "DJT", which would likely become the airport's new code. Critics argue this means the county may have to pay licensing fees to use the name, despite the bill's language prohibiting such fees. The Trump Organization claims the trademark filing is merely to protect Trump's name from infringement, not to charge the county.

  • The Florida State House recently passed the bill to rename the airport.
  • The Trump Organization filed the trademark around the same time as the state bill vote.

The players

Palm Beach County International Airport

The airport closest to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort that is set to be renamed.

Trump Organization

The company that has trademarked the proposed new name for the airport as well as Trump's initials, raising concerns about potential licensing fees.

Meg Weinberger

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored the bill to rename the airport.

Kelly Skidmore

A Democratic state representative who has questioned whether the county could still be charged fees despite the bill's language.

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What they’re saying

“I don't understand why this continues to be an issue.”

— Meg Weinberger, State Representative (USA Today)

“The language grants the county 'the perpetual and unrestricted right to use the name 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport,' at no cost for things like 'signage, advertising, marketing, merchandising, and promotions and for the branding of the airport and its operations.'”

— Meg Weinberger, State Representative (USA Today)

“Despite the bill's wording, the county could still potentially be charged licensing fees.”

— Kelly Skidmore, State Representative (USA Today)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the airport renaming to proceed.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights ongoing concerns about Trump's efforts to attach his name to public assets, potentially at taxpayer expense. The rushed nature of the renaming process and the Trump Organization's trademark filings have fueled suspicions that the county may face hidden costs despite assurances to the contrary.