- Trump announced that helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky will fully fund a new, multi-million-dollar permanent helipad on the White House South Lawn, claiming the company felt “a little bit guilty” about the damage caused by the latest presidential aircraft.
- The construction of the new granite helipad is estimated to cost between $5 million and $6 million and will feature the White House seal.
- Construction crews are already working around-the-clock on the South Lawn, with an expedited schedule to complete the project ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's expected September visit.
- Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky's parent company, confirmed the financial arrangement, contributing $5 million to $6 million through the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service.
- Trump stated that the new helipad will solve a logistical headache caused by the downward-facing exhaust of the new Sikorsky VH-92A helicopters, which damaged the grass on the South Lawn.
- Construction crews began tearing up the iconic White House South Lawn last week to install a landing pad, part of Trump's unprecedented makeover of the People’s House.
- The project deadline was cut to no later than September 17, which increased the cost by $875,000.
- Photos of the South Lawn show significant damage, including a gaping gray circular patch from the construction.
- Trump's previous projects have also been rushed before visits from prestigious guests, including King Charles III.
President Trump revealed that Sikorsky will fully fund a new granite helipad on the White House South Lawn, with construction crews working around-the-clock to meet a September 17 deadline ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit.236
"For 50 years we’ve been landing helicopters on grass; the grass is wet, soggy," Trump stated, explaining the need for the new helipad. The project, estimated to cost between $5 million and $6 million, aims to replace the damaged grass caused by the new VH-92A Patriot helicopters, which have been known to scorch the lawn.5
"When you land on the grass, it’s not that the grass gets discolored—it gets ripped out," Trump added, emphasizing the durability of the granite surface.
The expedited construction, which includes a 100-foot-wide platform featuring the White House seal, was authorized by the White House, with an additional $875,000 allocated to ensure completion.7
Lockheed Martin confirmed the financial arrangement, channeling the funds through the Trust for the National Mall and the National Park Service.4
The overall renovation project, totaling $13 million, also includes repaving the adjacent driveway and South Portico with white stone.
Trump noted that the helipad will not only serve Marine One but also act as a backdrop for outdoor press events, showcasing the administration's commitment to enhancing the White House's functionality and aesthetics.
“Lockheed Martin is covering the $5–6 million cost through the Trust for the National Mall, with crews now working 24/7 to meet the September deadline. Emails reveal Trump personally weighed in on design details, including a curved curb for the driveway.”
The Daily Beast
Firstpost
