Trump is exploring building a White House heliport to prevent the new Marine One helicopter from burning the South Lawn grass | Today’s news
US President Donald Trump is considering building a helipad on the White House grounds to accommodate a new fleet of presidential helicopters and prevent damage to the iconic South Lawn, according to multiple reports.
According to The Wall Street Journal, CNN and The Washington Post, discussions are underway to install a dedicated landing pad for the new VH-92A Patriot helicopter, the latest version of Marine One used for presidential transport.
The move would mark another major physical change to the historic White House complex during Trump’s second term.
Why the new Marine One is causing problems
The issue centers on the VH-92A Patriot helicopter, which is slated to replace the retiring VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk presidential helicopters that are currently still in service.
The new plane’s powerful engine exhaust is said to generate intense downward heat and high-velocity airflow capable of burning the South Lawn grass during landings and takeoffs.
Because of the risk of lawn damage, the Marine Corps has largely avoided using the VH-92A directly at the White House, although it has deployed the helicopter on presidential trips outside of Washington.
Older models of helicopters continue to transport the president to and from the White House as the Pentagon attempts to fully transition to the new fleet.
Landing restrictions on the South Lawn remain in effect
Reports said testing of the new helicopter revealed repeated burns on the White House lawn, causing operational complications for presidential transport.
The South Lawn has long served as the designated landing area for Marine One, with the helicopter becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency.
However, the new plane’s exhaust system made routine operations at the White House itself more difficult.
According to people familiar with the discussions cited by multiple U.S. media outlets, Trump has explored installing a permanent heliport that would solve the problem and allow the VH-92A to be used regularly at the presidential residence.
Part of a broader overhaul of the White House
The helipad proposal is the latest in a series of renovation and redevelopment projects that Trump has championed during his second term.
The president has pushed through several major construction initiatives across Washington, including the controversial $400 million White House Ballroom project and plans to renovate the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool.
Trump previously described the paddling pool as “terrible” and “dirty” when he announced plans for restoration work.
Meanwhile, the ballroom project recently hit a political roadblock after a Senate lawmaker reportedly ruled against a proposed $1 billion in financial safeguards tied to the initiative in the budget reconciliation package.
There are also reports citing discussions surrounding the proposed 250-foot “Arc de Triomphe” in Washington as part of the administration’s broader effort to redesign federal monuments.
The White House is avoiding confirming the heliport plan
The White House has not officially confirmed plans for the heliport project.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle did not directly comment on reports of the proposed landing pad, but said Trump “has continued to make improvements at the White House and all around D.C. for the benefit of future presidents and the American people.”
The historic property faces the challenge of modern aviation
The discussions highlight the growing tension between preserving the historic White House grounds and adapting the complex for modern presidential transportation technologies.
While the VH-92A Patriot was introduced to modernize the presidential helicopter fleet with enhanced communications, security, and performance capabilities, its operational impact on the White House grounds delayed full implementation at the presidential residence.
If approved, the heliport would become one of the most visible structural changes to the White House grounds in recent years.
