OAN Staff Lillian Mann
4:17 PM – Monday, September 7, 2026
The White House’s new granite helipad project has been completed, according to President Donald Trump.
In a Sunday Truth Social post, Trump shared a July 1957 photograph of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the White House lawn, preparing to board an Air Force H-13J helicopter and making history as the first United States president to fly in one.
“Dwight Eisenhower didn’t need a Helipad at the White House for those little Choppers, but America needs one now — Just completed, and MAGNIFICENT!” Trump wrote on Truth.
Trump first announced the helipad project in July, explaining that it was necessary to accommodate newer, more powerful presidential helicopters, whose hot exhaust damage the White House lawn.
In early August, contractors reversed some headway on the project after Trump found issues with the landing surface’s slope and appearance. He ordered the work delayed so the granite pad would lay flatter, according to NOTUS.
Despite the mid-construction setback and modifications, the $6 million project wrapped up shortly after, with Trump officially announcing the completion of the granite helipad on Monday.
“It’s such an exciting project… They’ve wanted this for many, many years. The happiest people are the pilots,” Trump said at the ceremonial signing of the helipad in August.
The president also highlighted the granite helipad would serve as a proper welcome for visiting officials and foreign leaders.
“This will be much better for state arrivals,” Trump said. “They could have people go there for cocktails and then walk to the ballroom after that’s finished.”
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