Trump builds White House helipad for new Marine One
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that a granite helipad is being built on the South Lawn of the White House to accommodate newer Marine One helicopters. This project could cost as much as $6 million and is being privately funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, which is part of Lockheed Martin. Construction has already begun, and the helipad will have the White House seal beautifully engraved in granite. While Trump didn’t provide a completion date, Lockheed Martin noted that their funding went to the Trust for the National Mall, a non-profit linked to the National Park Service, following all legal protocols. This effort is part of a larger renovation initiative at the White House that Trump is overseeing, with some projects using public funds despite previous claims of private financing.
Key facts
- Trump announced construction of a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn.
- The helipad is needed for new, more powerful Marine One helicopters.
- Project cost estimated at up to US$6 million.
- Funding provided by Sikorsky Aircraft, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary.
- Construction crews have already begun work.
- Helipad features the White House seal carved in granite.
- No timeline for completion was given.
- Lockheed Martin said the contribution went to the Trust for the National Mall.
Entities
Institutions
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Lockheed Martin
- Trust for the National Mall
- National Park Service
Locations
- White House
- Washington, D.C.
- United States