MIA AND FLL REJECT A “POLITICAL” VIDEO FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
The two busiest airports in South Florida, Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), have refused to show a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) video in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the government shutdown. Local authorities deemed the video, which was intended for security checkpoint queues, to be too political. They based their decision on internal policies at both airports that prohibit partisan messages. Other major airports in the United States also refused to broadcast it, with some citing the Hatch Act of 1939. The latter prohibits US federal employees from participating in partisan political activities during work hours in order to ensure the neutrality of the public administration.
BLOCKING THE TRANSFER OF LAND FOR TRUMP’S PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
On October 14, Mavel Ruiz, a Florida judge, temporarily blocked the transfer of land in Miami intended for Donald Trump’s future presidential library. An anti-library activist accuses Miami Dade College, which owns the land in question, of violating transparency laws by voting to transfer the land without clear notice or public disclosure. The value of the plot of land is estimated at more than $67 million. The land, which is currently used as a parking lot by Miami Dade College, was to be transferred to a foundation run by Trump’s associates. Despite local opposition, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis supports the project, but Judge Ruiz ruled that the university had not sufficiently informed the public. The injunction could cost the college up to $300,000. Other possible locations for the library are currently being considered.
WHETHER TRUMP IS IN TOWN OR NOT, THE FAA RESTRICTS FLIGHTS AROUND MAR-A-LAGO
Permanent flight restrictions around Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s estate in Palm Beach, have been imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), even when the president is not present. No flights are now allowed within a radius of approximately one mile (1.6 km) around the site, and this perimeter expands to 30 miles (48 km) when Trump is in town. These new measures will remain in effect until October 2026.
The consequences? It should be noted that Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is located less than three miles (4.8 km) from Mar-a-Lago. Local authorities are anticipating increased delays during the winter tourist season and a rise in noise complaints, particularly in neighborhoods north of the airport, as air traffic will be redirected to the crosswind runway, changing flight patterns. Since his inauguration on January 20 this year, Trump has visited his Mar-a-Lago estate 11 times. For each day he spends in Palm Beach, his security costs the county approximately $240,000.
