Trump Organization Files for Exclusive Rights to Airport Branding
Washington, Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
In a historic move for a sitting president, the Trump Organization has preemptively filed trademarks for airport-related services, securing commercial control ahead of proposed legislative renamings in Florida.
Detailed Trademark Filings and Commercial Scope
DTTM Operations, LLC, a New York-based entity connected to the Trump Organization, submitted the specific applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 13 and February 14, 2026 [2][4]. The filings seek to trademark the names “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “Donald J. Trump International Airport,” as well as the acronym “DJT” [2][4]. These applications extend well beyond simple naming rights for infrastructure; they cover a vast array of commercial goods and services, including airport lounges, shuttle buses, and flight suits [1][3]. The scope of the trademarks also encompasses consumer merchandise such as clothing, handbags, luggage, jewelry, watches, and tie clips, suggesting a comprehensive approach to brand management within these transit hubs [4].
Strategic Branding and Legal Defense
The Trump Organization has characterized these filings as a defensive measure designed to protect the president’s brand from infringement by “bad actors” [1]. Representatives for the company claim that the Trump name is among the most infringed trademarks globally, necessitating these preemptive legal protections [1]. Despite the commercial nature of the trademark applications—which cover revenue-generating operations like retail and transportation—the organization has stated that the president and his family will not receive royalties, licensing fees, or financial consideration from the proposed renaming of public airports [1][3]. Trump’s trademark attorney, Michael Santucci, emphasized that the organization is willing to provide these rights to the county at no charge [3].
Legislative Context and Political Maneuvering
This intellectual property strategy coincides with active legislative efforts to rename major infrastructure in the president’s honor. On February 4, 2026, legislative committees in Florida gave initial approval to a bill that would rename Palm Beach International Airport after Trump, though the measure has not yet been signed into law [3]. The estimated budget for this proposed name change is currently $2.75 million, with projections suggesting the cost could rise to $5.5 million—a potential increase of 100% [4]. Beyond Florida, there have been federal proposals to rename Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., and political maneuvering in October 2025 involving Russell Vought, who reportedly withheld tunnel funding to pressure Senator Chuck Schumer into accepting the renaming of Dulles and New York’s Penn Station [4]. However, on February 16, 2026, President Trump stated on social media that he did not suggest renaming Penn Station [3].
Unprecedented Timing in Presidential History
Legal experts have highlighted the unusual timing of these commercial filings relative to the president’s tenure. Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben noted that it is unprecedented in United States history for a sitting president’s private company to seek trademark rights in advance of a public landmark renaming [1][4]. Historically, such honors are bestowed well after a president leaves office. For example, airports were named after Bill Clinton 11 years after his presidency, Ronald Reagan nine years after, and Gerald Ford 22 years after [1]. The only modern exception was John F. Kennedy, who had an airport named in his honor one month after his assassination [1]. The current filings mark a distinct departure from this tradition, integrating private commercial interests with public memorialization while the president remains in office [1].