Trump’s helipad turns White House lawn into a giant presidential seal
Donald Trump has unveiled a new helipad that has dramatically changed the appearance of the White House.
Previously presidents would disembark onto the grass of the White House south lawn.
Donald Trump speaks on the South Lawn of the White House at the construction site of the new helicopter landing zone. AP Photo/Alex Brandon
But Trump has replaced a massive section of the turf with a massive presidential seal.
The helipad is only partially complete, but Trump hosted a press event showcasing the massive change.
“This is a helipad at the highest level,” Trump said.
“It can land any helicopter in the world, no matter how big, no matter how powerful, no matter how strong.”
Trump signed a block of marble that will make up part of the helipad, with his name carved into the stone.
The president explained why he installed the helipad.
“The grass was in terrible shape,” Trump said.
“It was in bad shape, but this grass was the highest quality. It was given free of charge by Scotts Miracle Gro.
President Donald Trump signs a stone that will be part of the new White House helipad. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
“Scotts is a great company. They actually contributed to my campaign, I must be honest.”
He said the helipad would be operational this month.
He added that he would also use the helipad for cocktail parties.
It is the latest major renovation of the White House ordered by Trump.
But it has drawn the scorn of Democrats in Washington.
“You know things aren’t going well when the White House has been relegated to celebrating the completion of Trump’s new helipad as a major accomplishment,” Congressman James Clyburn said.
It comes as Trump’s ballroom project could be halted by the Supreme Court.
A historic preservation group has sued to halt construction of the president’s ballroom.
The Ellipse is seen as workers build a helipad on the South Lawn of the White House. AP Photo/Alex Brandon
The project has been deemed unlawful by a series of courts, but construction has continued as the White House appeals.
The lawsuit from the National Trust for Historic Preservation has denounced the Trump White House.
“Each court has told (the White House) in no uncertain terms that they must stop their illegal construction unless and until they receive express approval from Congress,” the lawsuit stated.
“(They) however, insist they will keep building—no matter what anyone says.”
Trump has knocked down the East Wing of the White House to build the ballroom.
The preservation group has argued in court that he cannot do so without the blessing of Congress.
President Gerald Ford and his daughter on the White House South Lawn as it was until the helipad was built. AP
But construction continues, with reports that 250 workers are building 20 hours a day, seven days a week.
A study from Politifact found that Trump has spoken about his renovation projects more than any other topic this year except for the war in Iran.
Trump also did not seek any approval for his helipad, meaning it could also be halted by a court order.
But the rapid construction of the helipad means it could be completed before any legal action could take effect.
Polling shows that less than a third of Americans approve of Trump’s renovation projects in Washington DC.
Other projects include his botched resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and coating a series of statues in the city in gold.
The president’s approval rating is now in the low 30s, a record low.
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