Washington — President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that he is building a granite helipad for Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, which he said will be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, which makes the helicopters that transport the president.
“So, now we’re building a helipad, a beautiful helipad, with the White House seal on it, granite, carved granite. It’s really a beautiful thing,” Trump said while taking questions from reporters at an Oval Office event.
Construction on the future site of a helipad on the South Lawn of the White House, July 3, 2026, in Washington.
Vin Gomez/Getty Images
Trump said Sikorsky would pay for construction.
“It’s about $5 or $6 million. They’re paying the full cost.” The president said.
In a statement provided to ABC News, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company “has a long history of supporting projects” in Washington, D.C., and across the country.
“This specific contribution was made to the National Park Service,” the spokesperson said. “Our dealings with the federal government are guided by strict ethics and compliance standards and conducted in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Lockheed Martin delivered a new fleet of Sikorsky helicopters to the Air Force in 2024, but the White House has had to continue using an older fleet for departures and arrivals on the South Lawn because they burn up the grass. Trump said on Monday that the helicopters not only burned the grass, but also “uprooted” it.
Newer helicopters were used when the president was away traveling.
The new helicopter, the VH-92A Patriot, “is a recognized national asset and is known around the world for safety, security and reliability,” a Sikorsky spokesman said in a statement.
The US Navy has awarded Sikorsky Aircraft a $1.24 billion contract to replace its Marine One helicopter fleet. The agreement was reached during the administration of President Barack Obama.
“It provides increased capabilities for the no-fail mission that supports the Commander-in-Chief around the world. The helicopter provides increased performance and reduced maintenance costs and time compared to the current fleet of presidential helicopters,” a Sikorsky spokesman said.
The helipad will be Trump’s latest construction project at the White House.
The East Wing was demolished last year to make way for the White House’s massive Trump Hall. The addition of the dance hall raised several legal challenges.
Trump installed plaques under portraits of presidents in the White House — dubbed the “Presidential Walk of Fame” — along the West Wing portico.
He also paved the lawn in the White House Rose Garden to create a patio with tables, and installed two massive flagpoles on the north and south lawns. Recently, scaffolding for restoration work was installed on the building’s stone columns.
Trump commented on the business while hosting a luncheon at the new Rose Garden Club.
“A lot of love is put into the White House,” the president said.
ABC News’ Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
Editor’s Note: This story includes an updated statement from Lockheed Martin correcting the location of the contribution.
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