Trump Tears Up White House Lawn for $5 Million Helipad as New Marine One Risks Scorching Grass
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 30
Trump Tears Up White House Lawn for $5 Million Helipad as New Marine One Risks Scorching Grass
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 30
Summary
Construction crews worked late Monday on the White House South Lawn to install a new helipad near the South Portico, in a project the administration has not publicly announced or confirmed.
New Marine One helicopters need the pad because their exhaust systems could scorch the lawn, according to the Washington Post, which said Lockheed Martin has pledged $5 million to speed the work.
Trump would be the first president to proceed with a White House helipad; earlier presidents considered one but backed off over concerns about damaging the building’s iconic grounds.
The helipad adds to a broader Trump refit of the White House and nearby landmarks, including a ballroom whose projected cost rose from $200 million to $600 million, with at least half now borne by taxpayers.