Donald Trump orders new granite helipad built at White House

Donald Trump has taken on the role of a construction supervisor, initiating new work on the South Lawn of the White House to build a large helipad for presidential helicopters. The construction began shortly after a temporary arch used for a MMA event was removed.

According to the White House, the work is necessary because the new VH-92 Patriot helicopters, manufactured by Sikorsky, damage the lawn upon landing. These larger helicopters, with exhaust ports angled downward, burn the grass when they touch down. Previously, presidential helicopters used a platform further away on the Ellipse.

Donald Trump ordered the construction of a helipad featuring a large granite presidential seal. "For years, the White House has been in dire need of a helipad worthy of the name on its grounds, allowing the president to land safely and protecting the magnificent South Lawn from the toxic emissions of the presidential helicopter Marine One," stated spokesperson Davis Ingle.

However, the president reportedly demanded the helipad be completely rebuilt because he was unsatisfied with its incline. The Washington Post reported this anecdote, citing two sources who witnessed the inspection of the completed work. Workers had to dismantle the immense presidential seal after weeks of labor. The newspaper did not specify the additional cost to the project, which exceeds $5 million and is funded by Lockheed Martin. The completion is expected for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit in September.

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For years, the White House has been in dire need of a helipad worthy of the name on its grounds, allowing the president to land safely and protecting the magnificent South Lawn from the toxic emissions of the presidential helicopter Marine One.