Florida's Donald J Trump International Airport, formerly Palm Beach International (PBI), has completed a name change ordered by the 47th president, but many signs inside the terminal still bear the old branding, according to The Guardian. Digital boards and traffic signs have been updated, but physical emblems in baggage halls and on ticket counters remain unchanged, with no timeline for replacement.
Name Change and Code Transition
The airport, located five miles from Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, was renamed after a vote by the Palm Beach County Commission in May. Its three-letter aviation code will officially change from PBI to DJT on August 18. The first landing under the new name was made by Donald Trump's son Eric on July 9.
Funding Dispute Delays Full Rebranding
The slow rollout is partly due to a debate over funding. Florida state allocated $2.75 million (approximately £2 million) for the change, but the total projected cost is $5.5 million (around £4 million). Palm Beach county representatives have refused to cover the shortfall, arguing local taxpayers should not bear the cost. County administrator Joseph Abruzzo told the Miami Herald: "We will be able to make the baseline, necessary changes to signage with the $2,750,000. But for the full extensive signage, we will be needing the other half of those funds from the state."
Official Statements on Funding and Signage
The airport's website states that the remaining costs will be funded through the Department of Airports' operating budget and capital improvement program, adding that "no local property tax dollars" would be used. Joel Flores, a county commissioner who voted against the name change, said funding should come solely from the state. He noted: "We’ve also heard that, federally, they might be sending some dollars down, but I have not seen any bills or budgets that address that. So until I see the money in the bank, I’m not going to count with it."
Rebeca Krogman, public information officer for the Palm Beach Department of Airports, said: "As with any facility of this size, it would not be practical to list every individual sign or area that has or has not yet been updated. We have begun updating all digital touchpoints, including the airport’s website, social media platforms, and digital signage within the terminal. Temporary signage is also being deployed across the campus pending installation of permanent signage, including the large welcome sign on Turnage Boulevard." She added that the airport intends to continue improvements through normal budgeting, primarily using external funding sources and pursuing additional opportunities like legislative appropriations and grants.
