Copyright Newsweek
A Republican lawmaker in Florida has introduced a proposal to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump. If approved, it would make Trump one of the few U.S. presidents to have an airport named in his honor. Why It Matters The proposal underscores Trump’s enduring influence within the Republican Party and highlights the deep political divisions surrounding his legacy. What To Know State Representative Meg Weinberger, who represents Palm Beach Gardens, has filed a bill to rename the airport, which is located four miles from his Mar-a-Lago estate, after Trump. Several major airports across the United States are named after former presidents. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City is one of the most prominent examples. Originally known as Idlewild Airport, it was renamed in 1963 shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination to honor his leadership and global stature. JFK remains one of the busiest international gateways in the country. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, was renamed in 1998 to honor the 40th president. The move was controversial at the time, as some Democrats opposed the change due to Reagan’s divisive policies, but it has since become an accepted tribute to his influence on American politics. George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, bears the name of the 41st president, who was a longtime Texas resident. Opened in 1969 and renamed in 1997, the airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines and a key symbol of Bush’s connection to his home state. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, Arkansas, was renamed in 2012 to honor the former president and first lady, both of whom began their political careers in the state. Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield, Illinois, pays tribute to the 16th president’s deep ties to the state he once called home. Florida's Previous Name Changes It is not the first time Florida officials have sought to honor Trump by naming a landmark after him. Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers approved legislation directing the state’s Department of Transportation to place signs honoring Trump along a section of Southern Boulevard—the main route linking Palm Beach to the mainland and leading directly to Mar-a-Lago. The measure, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, followed a similar proposal introduced by Weinberger in February to rename a four-mile stretch of the road after the president. The change, however, still requires approval from local officials before it can take effect. Even if approved, the designation would be largely symbolic—official addresses and emergency services would continue to identify the roadway as Southern Boulevard. Meanwhile, Trump has become the subject of several proposals from Republican lawmakers seeking to rename major U.S. airports in his honor. In early 2025, a group of House Republicans introduced federal legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the Donald J. Trump International Airport. The bill, led by Representative Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, described Trump as “the 45th President of the United States who put America first.” In response, a group of House Democrats introduced a bill to rename the Miami Federal Correctional Institution in Florida as the 'Donald J. Trump Federal Correctional Institution.' Earlier in 2025, Tennessee lawmakers proposed renaming Nashville International Airport after Trump. The legislation—House Bill 217 and Senate Bill 265—called for the airport authority to change signage and official documents to reflect the new name. What People Are Saying State Representative Meg Weinberger said on X: "America’s greatest President deserves an airport that bears his name. That’s why I have filed legislation to rename Palm Beach International Airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. A tribute to his extraordinary leadership and hometown roots." What Happens Next To pass, the bill still needs to be reviewed by a state legislative committee, which will determine whether it advances to a full vote in the Florida Legislature. Republicans hold the majority in Florida's state legislature, meaning the bill is likely to pass if it gets support. The measure was filed on Saturday but is in the drafting process.
