The Florida airport renamed after Donald Trump has become the latest symbol of efforts by supporters of the US president to commemorate his legacy after Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
The name change took effect on Thursday after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law.
The airport, located a short distance from Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, had operated as Palm Beach International Airport for nearly 50 years before the change.
Donald Trump's son, Eric Trump, marked the occasion by arriving at the airport aboard the family's private Boeing 757, popularly known as "Trump Force One."
Describing the occasion as memorable, Eric Trump praised the decision and said the airport's new name reflected his father's connection to Florida.
"I don't think there's anybody more synonymous with Palm Beach than Donald Trump and maybe all of Florida," he said during an interview with Fox News.
He also noted that the main road leading from the airport already bears the name President Donald J. Trump Boulevard, adding that passengers flying into Palm Beach would now see the airport code associated with the new name.
Reactions among travellers at the airport were divided.
Corporate pilot Chris Bailey supported the decision, saying President Trump had earned the honour.
"He's certainly done enough to warrant a name of an airport," Bailey said.
However, not everyone agreed with the move.
John Manov, a doctor travelling through the airport, argued that retaining the Palm Beach name would have been more appropriate.
"Palm Beach is a better brand. People don't really like Donald Trump. It seems in poor taste," he said.
The Florida airport renamed after Donald Trump is one of several recent initiatives aimed at recognising the president through public landmarks and government institutions.
According to reports, officials also unveiled the Donald J. Trump Bridge in Tennessee, while several federal facilities have been renamed in his honour.
Trump's image has also appeared on displays at government buildings, while various government programmes now carry the Trump brand.
Reports further indicate that his signature is expected to appear on certain US dollar notes later this year, while his image has already been added to some National Park passes and is expected to feature on selected US passports.
The developments have generated debate across the United States, with critics arguing that naming public institutions after a sitting political figure resembles personality cults commonly associated with authoritarian governments.
Eric Trump dismissed the criticism, saying the Trump name has always attracted public attention.
"Anything that bears our name is slightly controversial," he said, adding that his father felt "honoured" and "humbled" by the recognition.
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