NOW PLAYING
President Trump ordered contractors working on the White House helipad to redo their work, frustrated with its appearance after weeks of construction, according to reports.
Trump was dissatisfied with the result of the construction of the helipad, having made it a priority when work began in June, the Washington Post reported Tuesday, citing two people familiar with the project. The president has shown interest in adding a landing pad that is level with the horizon, which would require contractors to disassemble their work and consider leveling the sloped South Lawn.
Federal Aviation Administration recommendations do not require helipads to be perfectly horizontal, though they should be flat to allow for water runoff.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told The Hill that the White House has “desperately” needed a proper helipad “that will allow the president land safely and also protect the beautiful South Lawn grass from the fierce exhaust fumes of the incredible Marine One.”
An administration official also told The Hill improvements to the White House are “part of the ongoing project to best match” the historic building’s needs.
It is unclear what additional costs the new construction could add to the project. Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin that manufactures the VH-92A Patriot model helicopters used as Marine One, is already covering $6 million.
Lockheed Martin referred to the White House when asked for comment.
Trump said last month that Sikorsky Aircraft was “paying the full cost, and when I heard they were paying the cost, I went out and said, ‘Let’s do a beauty. Let’s not just do a piece of concrete and paint it white.'” The president added that the helipad will have the seal of the White House on it with an eagle carved out of granite.
While construction on the helipad is underway, Trump has used the Ellipse, south of the White House lawn, to land Marine One.
The helipad is the latest of Trump’s renovation projects across the nation’s capital and not the first at the White House during his second term. The demolition of the East Wing to allow for a massive ballroom has faced waves of scrutiny, including from employees who served past first ladies.
The president has added gold accents along the pathway to the West Wing, paved over the Rose Garden and added portraits of former presidents with partisan descriptions to each one, which he dubbed the “Presidential Walk of Fame.”
Add as preferred source on Google Tags Donald TrumpCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Administration News
See All
Senate Epstein survivor calls Cornyn’s vote to advance Blanche nomination ‘really depressing’ by Max Rego 11 minutes ago Senate / 11 minutes ago 
