Florida’s effort to rename Palm Beach International Airport as a “Trump” branded facility is progressing unevenly, after a state funding shortfall and legal challenges raised questions about how much the county will pay for the change. State law sets timeline for “DJT” codeThe airport’s new name, associated with President Donald J Trump, is due to be formally reflected in aviation industry designations from 18 August. The three-letter code that will replace the former identifier is “DJT”, using Trump’s initials. The renaming followed legislation signed in March by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who has backed Trump at times. The law required changes that the state directed to a county commission that had been reluctant to approve the arrangement. In May, Palm Beach County’s commission voted 4-3 to approve a trademark and licensing deal with the Trump Organisation. Some members of the board said they feared potential consequences, including financial exposure, if the agreement proceeded. Signage changes limited by budget gapWhile the switch has been reflected on some digital channels and external branding, the rollout inside the terminal has been less visible. The airport’s website and certain digital displays now refer to the “Donald J Trump” name, and highway signage leading to the airport has been updated. But many physical signs and references in public areas still show the former name, Palm Beach International (PBI). There is no clear timetable for when all remaining signs will be replaced. Money is a central issue. DeSantis’s $117.6bn budget, signed last month, set aside $2.75m for the name change, described as about half of an estimated $5.5m total cost. Palm Beach County has said it will not cover the shortfall. Joseph Abruzzo, the county administrator, said on 9 July—when “Trump Force One” carrying Eric Trump landed shortly after 5am to become the first aircraft to arrive under the airport’s new name—that the county could meet baseline, necessary signage changes using the $2.75m. He said the county would need the additional state funding to complete the more extensive signage programme. At the same time, an airport statement said that, beyond the state money, the remaining costs would be paid using the county’s Department of Airports operating budget and capital improvement programme. Critics say the difference between the statements has raised concerns that funds intended for other uses, including safety upgrades across the department’s four airports, could be redirected to support the rebranding. Opponents seek to prevent operational spendingCounty commissioner Joel Flores, one of three commissioners who voted against the trademark arrangement in May, said he would attempt to block any reallocation of operational funds toward the branding. He argued that the state should cover the costs and said he had not seen federal budgets that addressed additional funding. Flores said he agreed the project could proceed in phases until further funds are identified, but he said county money should not be used for a rebrand that he said the board did not approve. Rebeca Krogman, the public information officer for the Palm Beach Department of Airports, said the airport is updating signage in phases to match available resources. She said digital updates have already begun, including the airport’s website, social media platforms and terminal digital signage, and that temporary signage is being installed across the campus pending permanent replacements, including a large welcome sign on Turnage Boulevard. Krogman said the department aims to continue through normal budgeting and to pursue external funding sources, including the recent state allocation, legislative appropriations and grant funding. She said the Florida Department of Transportation did not respond to a request for comment. Legal action filed over name change authority and safetyTwo lawsuits have been filed to halt the Trump-branded renaming. Retired pilot George Poncy argued that changing the airport identifier from PBI, which he said has been embedded in air traffic control and aviation navigation and management software for decades, could cause confusion and create a safety hazard. The second suit, brought by trademark attorney Victoria Doyle, argues the state had no authority to impose the name change on a county-owned and operated airport. Doyle, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in next month’s primary election, said the case has been granted a trial date next year. Join the discussion? 20 July 2026
View full article
Create an account or sign in to comment