Donald Trump just ordered weeks of work on his new White House helipad torn apart over one surprising complaint. The president’s frustration with the project’s appearance has sent contractors back to square one ahead of a major deadline.
Donald Trump ordered contractors to dismantle part of the new South Lawn helipad after objecting to its appearance and angle
The Washington Post reported that President Donald Trump ordered contractors to redo weeks of work on his planned White House helipad. Trump grew frustrated with the helipad’s appearance and questioned whether the South Lawn’s slope needed changing. Two people familiar with his private comments confirmed the directive to the outlet.
Contractors have since dismantled their progress, including a 100-foot-wide granite presidential seal that began taking shape last week. The South Lawn slopes downward about 20 degrees in some places, exceeding federal recommendations for helipads. Trump wants a landing pad that sits level with the horizon, prompting crews to consider reshaping the lawn itself.
Construction crews have been working around the clock on the project since June. Trump hopes to complete the helipad before Chinese President Xi Jinping visits in late September. The project costs more than $5 million, and Lockheed Martin is funding the construction.
Lockheed Martin declined to comment on whether it had been asked to cover additional costs from the changes. Clark Construction, the firm handling the project, referred all questions to the White House. The additional cost and time required for the latest changes remain unclear.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the project in a statement. “For years, the White House has desperately needed a proper Helipad on White House grounds,” Ingle said. He added that the helipad will allow the president to land safely and protect the South Lawn grass.
The helipad addresses a practical problem with the newer VH-92A Patriot helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. These helicopters have exhaust vents that direct heat downward, making grass-scorching likely during landings. Trump currently uses the Ellipse, a park south of the White House, as a temporary landing zone for Marine One.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
