Donald Trump announced construction of a granite helipad on the White House South Lawn to serve as a landing pad for the new Marine One helicopters. The new VH-92A Patriot aircraft produces significant exhaust heat that would damage the existing grass landing zone, making the helipad necessary for continued helicopter operations. Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky division is covering the $5–6 million cost of the project, which includes decorative elements such as the White House seal and eagle carved into the granite.

The helipad construction is the latest in a series of major White House grounds renovations undertaken during Trump's presidency, including demolition of the East Wing for a new ballroom, conversion of the Rose Garden lawn into patio seating areas, and replacement of the West Wing colonnade with black granite. The South Lawn previously hosted a UFC championship event in June 2026. Several of Trump's White House projects, including the new ballroom and plans to redevelop a public golf course in East Potomac Park, are currently facing legal challenges.