A Florida state representative has proposed renaming the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to honor former President Donald J. Trump. The bill, introduced over the weekend, seeks to rename the airport as the “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” based on its proximity to Mar-a-Lago and its historical role in presidential travel. Rep. Meg Weinberger, who sponsored the bill, emphasized that Trump’s presidency was among the most consequential in modern history and that his residence in Palm Beach County makes the renaming a fitting tribute. The proposal is part of a trend of U.S. airports named after former presidents, including John F. Kennedy Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. However, the bill has not advanced beyond referral, and local approval remains pending.
Air Force One frequently travels to PBI due to its proximity to the Mar-a-Lago resort, making the airport a key hub for presidential travel. The airport’s renaming is also tied to its status as one of the busiest in the U.S., with over eight million passengers passing through during the May 2023 to May 2024 period. It has also been recognized for its efficient TSA operations, ranked as the “best in the U.S.” for shortest wait times by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.