- President Donald Trump has reportedly directed contractors to redo a large granite helipad on the White House South Lawn, citing frustration that the lawn's slope prevented the landing pad from sitting level.
- Workers have already begun dismantling the slab, which includes ripping out a 100-foot-wide presidential seal, after weeks of initial construction efforts.
- The multi-million dollar helipad, which the president estimates will cost $6 million, is being paid for by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky Aircraft due to their new helicopters damaging the South Lawn's grass, Trump said.
- The new helipad aims to provide a safe landing area for Marine One and protect the lawn, as the South Lawn's natural incline of up to 20 degrees exceeds federal guidelines for helipad slopes.
- This helipad project is among several significant renovations overseen by the president in Washington D.C., which have included a $300 million ball room and a $15 million refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool that later faced issues.
IN FULL
