Trump explores building helipad at White House to prevent new Marine One helicopter from scorching South Lawn grass

Key points

• US President Donald Trump is considering building a helipad on the White House grounds to accommodate the new presidential helicopter fleet and prevent damage to the iconic South Lawn, as per multiple reports.
• Discussions are underway about installing a dedicated landing pad for the new VH-92A Patriot helicopter, the latest version of Marine One used for presidential transport, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal, CNN and The Washington Post.
• 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, designed to replace the aging VH-3D Sea King and VH-60N White Hawk presidential helicopters currently still in operation.
• The new aircraft’s powerful engine exhaust reportedly generates intense downward heat and high-velocity airflow capable of scorching the South Lawn grass during landings and takeoffs.