The multimillion-dollar rebranding of Florida's Palm Beach international airport in honour of Donald Trump is facing delays, with a funding shortfall leaving much of the signage still bearing the old name.
The airport, less than five miles from Mr Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, was officially renamed President Donald J Trump International Airport under a state law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in March. The county commission reluctantly voted 4-3 in May to approve a trademark deal with the Trump Organization. However, Florida's budget allocated only $2.75m towards the estimated $5.5m cost, and Palm Beach county is refusing to cover the remainder.
County administrator Joseph Abruzzo said the available funds would cover "baseline, necessary changes" but not the full extent of new signage. The airport's website, however, states that remaining costs will be met through the county's Department of Airports operating budget and capital improvement programme, contradicting earlier assertions that no county money would be used.
Commissioner Joel Flores, who voted against the deal, said he would block any attempt to divert operational funds. "I will not personally be voting to utilise any operational funds towards this rebranding. This should be solely on the state to be able to fund this," he said. He added that the rebranding would proceed in phases and stall until more money was found.
Rebeca Krogman, a spokesperson for the county's airports department, said a phased approach "ensures continued progress while aligning each step with available resources". Digital signage has been updated, but many physical signs remain unchanged. The airport's three-letter code will formally become DJT on 18 August.
