Representative Mike Levin, a Democrat from California, criticized a controversial agreement involving the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J.Trump International Airport.

Levin argued that the arrangement has received insufficient public attention because it grants the Trump Organization extensive control over the airport’s branding, trademarks, and merchandise licensing rights.

According to reports referenced in the article, the Palm Beach County Commission approved the agreement in a narrow 4-3 vote, with Democratic commissioner Maria Sachs casting the deciding vote.The agreement was made with DTTM Operations LLC, a Trump Organization affiliate managed by Donald Trump Jr.that oversees trademarks and intellectual property for the Trump family business.

Under the deal, the Trump Organization can select vendors to produce branded merchandise associated with the airport and license the airport’s branding to third parties.

Although direct sales profits from goods sold inside the airport are restricted, the company can still profit from merchandise sold elsewhere, including online.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben described the structure of the agreement as unusual because it gives Trump substantial influence over a publicly owned airport’s branding and public image.The agreement also reportedly grants Trump final approval over how his name and likeness are presented at the airport.Levin additionally highlighted political pressure surrounding the vote.

County staff reportedly warned commissioners that rejecting the licensing agreement could risk transportation funding from the state of Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis.

Sachs defended her vote by saying the commission’s role was to approve a licensing arrangement needed to avoid trademark liability rather than decide on the airport’s name itself.

Levin strongly disagreed, arguing that Florida Republicans effectively created a financial opportunity for Trump tied to a public asset without meaningful public input.