Title: Trump Unveils White House's New Helipad and Refurbishments

President Donald Trump gave reporters a tour of the White House's updated exterior and grounds last week, showcasing the latest changes overseen during his second term. The most notable addition is the new helipad on the South Lawn, nearing completion just steps from the South Portico. Composed of granite and featuring the presidential seal, the permanent landing spot is designed to allow Marine One helicopters to safely touch down without damaging the grass. The $5 million project, funded by Sikorsky Aircraft, addresses the new fleet's exhaust, which can burn the lawn in hot or dry conditions.

Title: Trump Unveils White House's New Helipad and Refurbishments

Trump signed the underside of the carved granite eagle that will soon be installed in the helipad's center. The 100-foot-wide platform, which began construction after the UFC event in June, was initially redesigned after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with its initial slope. The president declared the revised circular spot "dead flat."

The surrounding grass, donated by ScottsMiracle-Gro, covers more than 7,800 square feet and could potentially be used for outdoor events like cocktail parties in the future. Trump also highlighted the refurbished Ionic columns on the North Portico and a previously unannounced project to replace the asphalt driveway with radial-cut white California granite, which he described as "very special stone."

The helipad is expected to be completed a few days before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington on September 24. These updates reflect Trump's ongoing efforts to leave his mark on the iconic executive mansion.