Trump says he is building a White House helipad for more powerful Marine One helicopter

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a granite helipad is being constructed on the White House South Lawn. He stated the helipad is necessary to accommodate new, more powerful presidential helicopters. Construction crews have already begun work on the project. Trump indicated the helipad will be privately funded and estimated its cost at up to $6 million. He described the helipad as a "beautiful thing" featuring the White House seal carved in granite. The South Lawn was previously used to host a temporary cage fight arena for an event celebrating the president's 80th birthday.

President Donald Trump announced the construction of a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn, stating it is necessary for new, more powerful presidential helicopters. The project, estimated to cost up to $6 million, is reportedly privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. Construction is already underway. Trump explained that the new VH-92A helicopters are too potent to land on the existing lawn without causing damage. He also noted that the helipad, featuring the White House seal in carved granite, could serve other purposes like news conferences. This initiative is part of Trump's ongoing efforts to modify the White House.