Washington: In a landmark and politically charged move, Florida has officially renamed Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, marking the first time a major U.S. airport has been named after a sitting president.
The renaming follows a state law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and is widely seen as the latest effort to cement President Donald Trump’s political legacy and expand his public brand. Located just minutes from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, the airport has long served as his primary travel hub.
Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, was officially renamed President Donald J Trump International Airport at a cost of $5.5 million, drawing criticism from some travelers passing through the terminal https://t.co/n5c1DQGD3L pic.twitter.com/yvKMqnWpCo
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 9, 2026
Calling it “a very big day,” Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, saying the airport would become “one of the greatest and most spectacular airports in the world.”
Effective today, Palm Beach International Airport has officially been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
The airport website will continue to be https://t.co/7B0DghKyyb during the transition. For more information, visit https://t.co/7B0DghKyyb. pic.twitter.com/YbiZ1jJRPN
— President Donald J. Trump International Airport (@fly_DJT) July 9, 2026
The transition has already begun, with new signage installed across the airport and digital systems being updated. Airport authorities said the rebranding, estimated to cost about $5.5 million, will not disrupt flight operations or passenger services.
The inauguration was marked by the arrival of “Trump Force One,” the Trump Organization’s Boeing 757, carrying Eric Trump and other guests. Eric Trump described the renaming as a tribute to his father’s enduring connection with Palm Beach.
The decision has sharply divided opinion. Supporters hailed it as a well-deserved honour for the U.S. president, while critics accused Florida of politicising public infrastructure and further elevating Trump’s personal brand through government assets.
The airport renaming is the latest in a series of symbolic initiatives by Trump’s allies, underscoring his continued dominance in American politics and the growing imprint of the Trump brand on public life.
