U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated a new construction project at the White House – the creation of a permanent helicopter pad on the grounds of the residence. Traditionally, presidential helicopters have landed directly on the South Lawn, but the powerful new machines have begun to damage the grass.
This is reported by Finway
Renovations at the White House and Trump’s Innovations
During his time in office, Donald Trump has initiated significant changes to the residence: the East Wing was demolished to build a large ballroom, and the historic Rose Garden was destroyed. Additionally, the president organized his own Presidential Hall of Fame, decorated the walls of the Oval Office with gold, and installed tall flagpoles around the building. Trump has now commissioned the design of a permanent helicopter pad to prevent further damage to the lawn from the new VH-92A Patriot helicopters used by the U.S. Marine Corps.
New Helicopters and the Discussion Surrounding Damage to the South Lawn
According to information from sources, the final design of the pad is already being discussed, and construction could begin as early as this summer. The South Lawn has historically served as a landing zone for presidential helicopters, but currently only a temporary platform is used. The VH-92A Patriot helicopters, which are set to replace the VH-3D Sea King, are significantly more powerful, resulting in airflows that literally scorch the grass during test flights in 2018. At the time the problem was identified, investments of $5 billion had already been made.
The U.S. Marine Corps purchased 23 VH-92A helicopters for the presidential fleet, each costing about $215 million. Although the new model has been in preparation for over ten years to serve as the primary presidential helicopter, the VH-92A has not yet been used for landing on the South Lawn, though it has already transported Trump to other locations.
“Building a permanent helicopter pad would spoil the White House, and it is unwise from an aesthetic point of view,” said retired Colonel Ray L’Hero, who participated in missions with the Marine One helicopter.
He emphasized that the South Lawn is a historic part of the residence and recommended sticking to a temporary landing platform.
Donald Trump previously explained his decision to pave the Rose Garden by stating a desire to ease the movement of guests in high heels during official events. The president has also repeatedly highlighted his ballroom with bulletproof walls, which will cost over $400 million. According to him, it will be “the most beautiful ballroom in the world,” combining luxury and a high level of security.
Additionally, journalists have noted that Trump decorated the corridor near the Oval Office with his own photograph in a gilded frame, continuing the trend of personalizing the residence’s space.