White House helipad plan: Trump backs granite landing pad for new presidential choppers

President Donald Trump says construction has begun on a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to support new, more powerful presidential helicopters. He estimates the privately funded project could cost up to USD 6 million and says it will feature carved granite bearing the White House seal, though no timeline was provided.

President Donald Trump said a granite helipad was being added to the White House South Lawn. Trump said the pad was needed for stronger presidential helicopters. Construction crews were already working on the site. Trump said the work was privately funded and could cost up to USD 6 million.

Trump described the planned design during remarks in the Oval Office. "Its got the seal of the White House on it in granite, in carved granite,\" Trump said. \"Its really a beautiful thing.\" Trump did not give an end date for the work. Trump also said the landing area could support other outdoor events.

White House helipad and Marine One helicopters

Trump said Sikorsky Aircraft would pay for the White House helipad. Sikorsky is owned by defence contractor Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin issued a statement about the funding route. \"This specific contribution was made to the Trust for the National Mall, the National Park Services non-profit organization and conducted in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.\"

Trump linked the project to limits on newer Marine One helicopters. In 2024, Sikorsky delivered 23 VH-92A helicopters for presidential use. President Joe Biden flew on a VH-92A to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Trump said the newer aircraft were too powerful for the lawn.

Trump said the modern aircraft could harm the South Lawn when landing. \"Its not that the grass gets discolored - it gets ripped out,\" the president said. Reports have cited heat venting downward from the new design. That heat has scorched grass during testing. The problem has restricted White House use of the VH-92A.

A 2026 Marine Corps aviation plan said VH-3D helicopters stay in service through year end. Trump said the helipad would allow retirement of 45-year-old aircraft. Trump said Sikorsky agreed to build and fund the pad. Trump said Sikorsky felt guilty about landing limits.

White House helipad design and granite choice

Trump said the landing surface would be granite, not painted concrete. Trump said builders were told to focus on appearance. \"Youre landing on granite, which is the strongest stone,\" the president said. Trump said the finished pad could also be used for White House news conferences.

The helipad plan followed other changes Trump backed at the White House. Trump had part of the Rose Garden replaced with a patio area. Trump said it resembled the Mar-a-Lago layout in Florida. Trump also backed a Presidential Walk of Fame on the colonnade wall.

White House helipad and other building works

Trump also listed more renovation work across the complex. Crews redid the bathroom connected to the Lincoln Bedroom. The Palm Room was renovated, and new flagpoles were added. Trump also ordered the East Wing demolished. Trump said it was replaced by a large ballroom.

Trump spoke later during a lunch on the Rose Garden patio. Trump described work on columns on the north side. Scaffolding was put up to support the project. \"Weve taken about 150 years of paint off of the columns,\" Trump said. \"If you dont strip the paint off, it gets worse and worse and worse.\"

Trump also said, \"A lot of love is being put into the White House.\" Trump added that it was treated badly by many presidents. Trump did not name who would pay for the column work. Trump said the helipad work was different because it was privately funded.

Efforts to update presidential helicopters began decades before the current fleet. Marine One can refer to several helicopter models for presidential travel. The VH-3D Sea King entered service in 1978 and became the longest-serving type. Modernisation efforts started under George W. Bush, but costs rose.

That earlier programme was later cancelled under Barack Obama’s administration. Obama restarted the effort, but technical problems slowed progress. In May 2014, the military awarded Sikorsky the contract for the VH-92A Patriot. Sikorsky completed delivery of the new fleet in 2024.

The granite helipad project now moved ahead as crews worked on the South Lawn. Trump said the goal was safer landings for the newest Marine One aircraft. Trump also said the pad would protect the lawn from damage. No schedule was given, but Trump said the cost could reach USD 6 million.

With inputs from PTI