Trump speeds up helipad project ahead of Xi visit, adding $875K, records show [View all]

Source: Washington Post

July 6, 2026 at 11:48 a.m. EDT


The White House sped up construction of a new helipad and related work in anticipation of an “upcoming state visit,” requiring crews to work around-the-clock and driving the cost up by $875,000, according to a contractor’s records obtained by The Washington Post.

The $13 million project also includes work on the nearby South Portico and an adjacent portion of the White House driveway, which will be retopped with white stone, the contracting records show.

Workers have been on-site since last Monday, when construction on the helipad got underway, according to three people who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the project publicly. A spokesperson for Clark Construction confirmed work had begun on the project and referred questions to the White House, which declined to comment on specific details of the project.

President Donald Trump told reporters Monday morning that he had decided to build a helipad to address a long-running problem: The new generation of helicopters designated for use as Marine One — the call sign for whichever helicopter is transporting the president — runs the risk of burning the lawn.

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/06/trump-speeds-up-white-house-helipad-driveway-changes-xi-visit-looms/