Marine One Manufacturer to Pay for White House Helipad

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, will finance a new helipad for the White House. The company, which manufactures the Marine One helicopter, will spend about $5m–6m dollars to build a granite helipad on the South Lawn of the presidential residence.

The investment comes after the new generation of more powerful helicopters repeatedly damaged the lawn during landings. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office with a smile that company officials felt guilty because they had not warned him in advance about the power of the aircraft's engines.

After learning that Sikorsky would cover the full cost of the project, Trump requested that the official White House seal be carved into the granite surface.

Lockheed Martin confirmed the contribution in a statement but did not specify the exact amount. A spokesperson said the funding would be provided to the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, which works in partnership with the National Park Service. He added that the company's cooperation with the federal government is subject to strict ethical standards and complies with the law.

The new fleet of presidential helicopters entered service in 2024.

(Reuters, Max)