Washington: US President Donald Trump has officially inaugurated a new helipad on the White House South Lawn, cutting the ribbon on Monday before departing for New York aboard Marine One.
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The new granite landing pad was built to provide a dedicated surface for the presidential helicopter and help protect the White House lawn from the powerful exhaust of newer Marine One helicopters. Trump has said the issue had been under consideration for years.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the government had been thinking about building a proper White House helipad for 25 years, adding, “I get things done.”
Trump also thanked Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet, construction workers, stone masons and Clark Construction for their work on the project.
Trump also joined construction workers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony before taking off from the newly completed landing pad.
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The helipad, which features thick granite construction, began work in June and was completed ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington. The project has been estimated at up to $6 million and was reported to be privately funded.
