Washington — President Donald Trump spent several minutes on the South Lawn serving as a personal guide for reporters, showcasing a new granite helipad and a massive ballroom renovation that he says will bolster both aesthetics and security at the White House.
Granite helipad highlighted
Trump pointed to the freshly laid white‑granite slab that will replace the existing asphalt landing area for presidential aircraft. He emphasized the stone’s strength, noting it can withstand 35,000 pounds per square inch of pressure and would not show a hammer mark even after a full day of pounding. The president said the helipad will impress visiting foreign leaders, specifically naming Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is scheduled to visit next month.
Ballroom project and security claims
The centerpiece of the tour was the ongoing construction of a $400 million ballroom that Trump describes as the “greatest military complex slash ballroom anywhere in the world.” He said the venue will incorporate anti‑drone technology and other security features. Earlier this year the administration sought, without success, $1 billion in congressional funding for additional military upgrades to the structure.
Trump also noted that the project is proceeding despite court orders that require congressional approval before further work. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will eventually side with the administration, allowing the construction to continue.
Other White House upgrades
In addition to the helipad, the president announced that the diplomatic entrance walkway and a portion of the South Lawn driveway have been replaced with white granite. He dismissed asphalt as “not appropriate for a great house” and claimed that even the strongest concrete would be far weaker than the granite now in place.
Trump also praised Scotts‑Miracle‑Gro for its grass product, referencing a $1 million donation that helped repair lawn damage caused by a recent UFC event held on the grounds and by the helipad construction.
Symbolic gestures
During the tour, Trump signed the back of one of the granite stones, which bears the inscription “Donald Trump 45‑47 President” and features an eagle design. He said the stone will become part of the presidential seal on the helipad once the project is finished. Construction workers were invited to sign the stone as well, and Trump joked about leaving it upside‑down so his signature would be visible to future generations.
He concluded by stating the granite has a “million‑year life” and will never break, leak, or deteriorate, contrasting it with earlier issues experienced on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation.
Political context
The tour occurred as the president’s war in Iran approaches its six‑month mark, his approval ratings have slipped, and the nation heads toward midterm elections in two months. While critics have questioned the cost and necessity of the ballroom, Trump framed the projects as lasting legacies that will endure beyond his term.
Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to the report.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
