Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Monday that the White House is discussing a South Lawn helipad so the new VH-92A presidential helicopters can use the grounds without burning the grass, with no timeline or budget announced.
- A 2018 Government Accountability Office review warned that the helicopter’s engines and auxiliary power unit push hot exhaust downward that can damage turf.
- Because of that risk, the VH-92A has not been used on the South Lawn and crews place small boards under the older VH-3D’s wheels, which the Marine Corps now expects to keep flying through at least 2027.
- White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the work would benefit future presidents, while critics including retired Marine One commander Ray L’Heureux oppose a permanent pad on aesthetic grounds.
- A separate landing pad at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence is expected this summer, with Palm Beach officials considering how long it could remain for Secret Service security needs.