Trump Orders Weeks of White House Helipad Work Redone and a 100-Foot Granite Seal Torn Out Because the Lawn Slopes

Contractors began dismantling the 100-foot-wide granite presidential seal installed on President Trump's new White House helipad on Aug. 4, 2026, after he objected to its appearance and to the downward slope of the South Lawn, which he wants closer to level with the horizon. The project, begun in June and estimated at $5 million to $6 million, had already had $875,000 added to expedite it ahead of a state visit; documents obtained by The Washington Post do not name the visiting leader, but the expedite request came days after Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping for Sept. 24. The National Park Service has described the South Lawn incline as a "gradual" slope, and federal aviation rules do not require helipads to be level.

Trump has said Lockheed Martin, which owns Marine One manufacturer Sikorsky, will cover the construction cost. Asked by NOTUS whether it would also pay for the redo, the company would not say — leaving open whether a defense contractor with business before the government is absorbing an added expense at the president's direction.

Work is underway and the revised budget is not public. A White House spokesman said the helipad is needed to let the president land safely and to protect the South Lawn grass.