President Donald Trump announced today the completion of a new permanent granite helipad on the White House South Lawn. The project provides a durable landing area for Marine One, the presidential helicopter, and protects the grass from damage caused by the exhaust of newer, more powerful models.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, describing the finished work as a "true work of art" featuring the presidential seal in white and black tones on "practically indestructible" granite. He noted that even critics had praised its appearance.
The helipad measures about 100 feet in diameter and was constructed with four-inch-thick granite. Construction began earlier this summer after a temporary arena for a UFC event damaged the lawn. Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft, which builds the VH-92A Patriot helicopters used as Marine One, funded the roughly $5 million to $6 million project.
Previous administrations avoided using the upgraded helicopters on the South Lawn because of concerns about lawn damage. The new landing zone addresses that issue directly while allowing routine operations from the traditional site near the South Portico.
Trump, drawing on his real estate development background, oversaw revisions during construction to ensure the pad sits level. The project was accelerated to finish ahead of a planned state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.
The White House has not previously had a permanent helipad, with Marine One historically landing on the grass. The granite surface provides a stable and visually striking alternative that aligns with operational needs for the current helicopter fleet.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.