US President Donald Trump announced on July 6, 2026, that he is building a granite helipad on the White House lawn to accommodate new, more powerful Marine One helicopters. Construction crews have already begun work on the helipad located on the South Lawn, the same area where a temporary UFC arena was set up for a cage fight celebrating Trump's 80th birthday.
Trump stated the project would be privately funded, estimating the cost at up to $6 million. He highlighted the helipad's design, saying, “It’s got the seal of the White House on it in granite, in carved granite. It’s really a beautiful thing.” The president did not provide a timeline for the project's completion.
Trump also said that Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of defense contractor Lockheed Martin, would be funding the helipad. Lockheed Martin confirmed the contribution was made to the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit organization of the National Park Service, and assured it was conducted in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
This helipad project is part of a series of construction efforts overseen by Trump to reshape the White House grounds, some of which have previously involved public funding despite initial claims of private financing.
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