Is Palm Beach airport being renamed? (In frame – Eric Trump) – Source: Getty
The Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed the President Donald J. Trump International Airport. This happened on July 9 as per a Florida law passed earlier this year. The President’s son, Eric Trump, shared a post on X, writing that the Trump Force One will be the first aircraft to land at the recently renamed airport. He wrote:
“There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor. As a son, and someone who flies out of this airport nearly every day, I will forever be proud to see the initials “DJT” on my boarding pass.”
He mentioned that he could make this happen for his father, as he wrote:
“Congratulations Dad – I’m happy to have played a big role in making this happen.”
In his post, Eric Trump also thanked Meg Weinberger, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Attorney General James Uthmeier, among others who supported this. According to USA Today, the legislation to rename the airport was signed by DeSantis on March 30. A reporter from Wesh 2 News spoke to a few passengers and asked what they felt about the name change. One of them said:
“Oh, it changed already because I knew it was happening. But like, for me, it’s just like it’s a name change. I think there’s a lot of places where Presidents like have names. I think it’s just something that like, like Presidents just like to put their names on things.”
Another person said that a name change doesn’t mean anything to him as long as the airport is functional and available to the people.
How much money was estimated for the name change?
The Governor’s office approved the state budget, including $2.75 million for the renaming purpose. The expected budget was $5.5 million. According to a statement by the airport authorities, the remaining costs for the name change will be covered by airport revenue until additional funding comes through. It said:
“The Palm Beach County Department of Airports may also pursue grant opportunities for reimbursement of eligible costs, if available.”
Area residents, however, found the name change controversial. Speaking to WPBF 25 News, a person said that although this was “ridiculous,” the authorities will do what they have decided anyway. He said that it would be weird to call it Trump International Airport.
The media outlet also mentioned that two lawsuits had been filed to stop the renaming. One argued that the change concerns “local control” since the airport is owned by Palm Beach County. The outlet also mentioned that it was Meg Weinberger’s idea to change the name. It was her bill that the governor signed.
Weinberger said it’s a recognition that President Trump has earned. She noted that he and his family had worked tirelessly to save the country. She also claimed that she was not worried about the money being spent for the purpose because, with Trump’s name, it will now attract more visitors.
