Trump says he's building a White House helipad for a new, more powerful Marine One

President Donald Trump said Monday that construction has started on a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to support a new, more powerful Marine One helicopter fleet. He said the landing area is needed because the aircraft are too strong for the lawn, claiming their exhaust would “rip out” grass rather than merely discolor it. Trump estimated the project would cost up to $6 million and said it would be privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary. Crews began work after a UFC temporary arena on the South Lawn for his 80th birthday. In 2024, Sikorsky completed 23 new helicopters, including the VH-92A, used by President Joe Biden. Lockheed Martin replied that the contribution was made to the Trust for the National Mall under applicable laws. Trump cited past challenges with limited White House use and said the older VH-3Ds remain through end of this year.