Florida airport officially renamed after Donald Trump; US Prez calls it ‘a very big day’

Palm Beach International Airport in South Florida officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, following a state-approved measure to honor the former U.S. president. The renaming took effect after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation earlier this year authorizing the change.

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There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor.

Airport officials noted that the full transition, including the replacement of old and new branding, will take several weeks. The first aircraft to land after the renaming was "Trump Force One," the Boeing 757 owned by The Trump Organization, carrying President Donald Trump's son, Eric Trump. The Trump family frequently uses the airport for travel to Mar-a-Lago, the president's Palm Beach residence. Earlier this year, the road connecting the airport to the estate was also renamed President Donald J Trump Boulevard.

Celebrating the occasion, Eric Trump expressed on X that there is "no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor." He added he would be proud to see the airport's new three-letter code, "DJT," on his boarding pass, which officially switches from PBI on August 18.

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A very big day

President Trump also welcomed the move on Truth Social, calling it "a very big day" for Palm Beach. He predicted it would become "one of the Greatest and Most Spectacular Airports anywhere in the World!" The renaming is estimated to cost up to $5.5 million for new signage, branding, and infrastructure updates.

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At the end of the day, it's just the name of an airport. There's bigger things. I feel like it's just more of a distraction.

The decision has elicited mixed reactions from travelers. Some, like Keegan Collett, expressed surprise, viewing it as a distraction from more significant issues. Others, such as corporate pilot Chris Bailey, welcomed the change, believing Trump has "certainly done enough to warrant a name of an airport." However, Dr. John Manov criticized the decision, stating, "Palm Beach is a better brand. People don't really like Donald Trump."

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Palm Beach is a better brand. People don't really like Donald Trump.