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Helipad Cost and Timing
President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that a granite helipad is being built on the White House South Lawn for Marine One, with work already underway on the project.
““about $5 or $6 million. They're paying the full cost,””
Trump said the helipad will be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and estimated the cost at “about $5 or $6 million.”
The Washington Post reported that the White House sped up construction of the helipad and related work in anticipation of an “upcoming state visit,” adding $875,000, according to a contractor’s records.
Lockheed Martin said the contribution was made to the National Park Service’s nonprofit organization, and ABC News reported the company’s statement that it was “conducted in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Why It’s Needed
Trump said the helipad is needed because the new Marine One helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft “ripped up the grass” on the White House South Lawn.
In the Oval Office, Trump described the damage as “It’s not that the grass gets discolored — it gets ripped out,” tying the helipad to the newer aircraft’s exhaust effects.
The Hill reported Trump said Sikorsky was paying for the helipad because “they didn’t tell us how powerful these helicopters were and they felt a little bit guilty,” while he also said “Let’s do a beauty.”
Military Times reported that the helipad completion is slated for Sept. 17, a week prior to when Chinese President Xi Jinping’s White House visit is scheduled, and it said the South Lawn helipad will be roughly $5 million.
Corporate and Political Stakes
Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky framed the payment and helicopter capability in terms of compliance and performance, with ABC News quoting a Lockheed Martin spokesperson saying the company’s engagement is “guided by rigorous ethics and compliance standards.”
““guided by rigorous ethics and compliance standards””
Sikorsky’s statement to ABC News described the VH‑92A Patriot as “a recognizable patriotic asset known around the globe for safety, security and reliability,” while it also said the helicopter “delivers increased performance and reduced maintenance costs and time.”
The Washington Post said the helipad project was accelerated ahead of an “upcoming state visit,” and the NOTUS report said Trump argued Sikorsky felt bad about the damage and that “Sikorsky is paying for it.”
CT Insider reported that Trump estimated the price tag at up to $6 million and said Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Aircraft, headquartered in Stratford, would cover the total cost, as crews also continued work on a massive ballroom to replace the East Wing.