Democrats blast Florida's $5billion plan to immortalize Trump in the same way as JFK
An expensive tribute to Donald Trump is set to land at a Florida airport - with Republicans comparing the move to naming hubs after John F Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
Despite furious opposition from Democrats, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has signed off on legislation to rename West Palm Beach's travel hub President Donald J Trump International.
Supporters argue the move follows a long-standing tradition of honoring presidents with major travel hubs - pointing to New York’s John F Kennedy Airport and Washington’s Reagan National.
But critics say the comparison is wildly premature - and accuse Republicans of using public money to stage a political tribute to a sitting president.
‘This is a political stunt,’ said House Democratic leader Fentrice Driskell, blasting the plan as a misuse of taxpayer funds.
The bill, which takes effect July 1 pending FAA approval, comes just days after Trump’s company filed trademarks for multiple versions of the airport name - raising further questions about the timing of the push.
The change is expected to cost well over $5 million - a price tag some Republicans insist is worth paying.
'Regardless of your personal view on the president, his record speaks for itself,' bill sponsor state Senator Debbie Mayfield said. 'President Trump has delivered meaningful results for Florida and the United States.'
Trump often visits West Palm Beach airport because of his Mar-a-Lago estate
Donald Trump owns a private Boeing plane, sometimes known as Trump Force One
Representative Meg Weinberger agreed, calling the bill a 'historic recognition' that celebrates President Trump in a Facebook post.
Republican Representative Brian Mast mentioned New York’s JFK airport or Washington’s Reagan National, saying 'those two airports were named after undeniably impactful presidencies, and I believe we should continue that tradition.'
Democratic leaders spoke out about the potential $5.5 million cost to taxpayers. House Representative Fentrice Driskell called this move a 'political stunt' by Tallahassee Republicans.
'Your money is being misused to celebrate the man who caused gas prices to rise to over four dollars a gallon, grocery costs to shoot up, and health care prices to spike,' she said.
'Republicans are out of touch when it comes to the real issues impacting Floridians,' the statement continues.
In recent years, Florida has become one of the most expensive places to live in the South. According to National Today, Florida's cost of living nearly quintupled over the past decade, especially in cities like Palm Beach, Miami and Tampa.
The website's report blames housing as the main cause for rising costs, along with insurance premiums, property taxes and rental costs.
Wealthy residents from New York and California have also migrated to the area, causing home prices in Florida beach towns to soar. As of April 2025, at least 67 billionaires have properties in Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach is one of Florida's most expensive cities, along with Tampa and Miami
President Trump is one of West Palm Beach's best-known and wealthiest residents, with his Mar-a-Lago estate just a 12-minute drive from the airport.
Like Trump, Fox News host Sean Hannity moved from New York to Palm Beach and purchased two new mansions in the county for $14.9 million and $23.5 million.
The West Palm Beach airport isn't the only local landmark with Trump's name attached.
In early 2026, Trump renamed a four-mile road near his estate President Donald J Trump Boulevard, receiving mixed reactions from locals and politicians.
'I'm tremendously honored that the main boulevard from Palm Beach International Airport to the beautiful Mar-a-Lago is being renamed in my honor. That's a very important stretch,' Trump said during the naming ceremony.
Trump recently renamed the Kennedy Center in part after himself, changing the name to the Trump Kennedy Center last December, sparking even more opposition from Democrats.
That same month, Ohio Democrat Joyce Beatty filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for renaming the building and claiming that the vote to do so was unanimous.
