Trump Unveils New Granite Helipad On White House South Lawn
President Donald Trump officially opened a new helipad on the White House South Lawn on Monday. He cut the ribbon and took the presidential helicopter, Marine One, on its first flight from the new surface. This project replaces the old grass landing area that could not handle modern aircraft.
At the center of the new landing zone, which is constructed from black-and-white granite, sits the presidential seal. It is built specifically for the VH-92A Patriot helicopter. This newer model is much heavier than the old Sea King choppers used for decades. According to reports, the older grass surface would get torn up and scorched by the heat from the new engines. The granite pad stops this damage and keeps the grounds looking good.
We have liftoff from the South Lawn 🚁
President Trump cuts the ribbon, officially opening the new helipad at the White House. pic.twitter.com/XBMwqXxUGU
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 21, 2026
The construction solves a major problem for the presidential transport unit. The new helicopters create intense downward heat that destroys soft grass during takeoff and landing. Per RedState, this force used to force pilots to use alternative setups or drop the president off far away. The new pad lets Marine One land right next to the residence. This cuts down the time the president spends walking across an open lawn.
Shortening that ground transfer is a standard security move in a high-threat world. It also reduces the need for long motorcades that cause traffic jams in the city. Presidents from both parties have changed the White House grounds to meet new tech and safety needs. This upgrade fits right into that long tradition of adaptation.
.@POTUS participates in a ribbon cutting to unveil the new White House helipad 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kJHuYPQGMR
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) September 21, 2026
While the ribbon-cutting happened, the press corps focused on a different issue. The administration restricted pool credentials for major outlets like CNN, Politico, and MS NOW. Those excluded networks immediately filed a joint lawsuit. They claim this action threatens democratic norms, according to RedState.
Press members were present for the event, but clear audio was missing from the video feed. Five major networks boycotted the coverage in protest of the revoked access. The White House still released video of the event showing workers lining the new path. President Trump set out for New York City after the ceremony to meet with Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The day has finally come! The Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot which first flew almost 10 years ago is departing the new White House helipad with POTUS onboard for the first time! 😎🇺🇸💪
Welcome to the 21st-century everyone! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/HNX3Z588Nw
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) September 21, 2026
President Trump has called the helipad “a work of art” in a recent post. He thanked the construction workers and stone masons who built the special surface. He also credited Clark Construction for their supervisory work on the project. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “I get things done!”
This is one of several upgrades Trump has made since returning to office. He installed two flagpoles nearly 100 feet tall on the lawns. He also restored columns at the north entrance and built a patio in the Rose Garden. Significant work continues on a new ballroom in the East Wing.