Trump Unveils White House Upgrades
Trump showcased new White House grounds projects, including a granite helipad and ballroom.
August 19, 2026 · Updated Aug 19, 5:10pm ET
CNN‘Very special stone’: Trump unveils another White House construction project
USA TODAYTrump unveils granite helipad also suitable for White House cocktails
Epoch TimesTrump Unveils Upgrades to White House Grounds
Daily BeastTrump Offers Explosive New Reason Why He Needs a Ballroom
Associated PressTrump plays White House tour guide to show off work on his helipad and ballroom
RedStateThat's a Hell of a Pad — Trump Unveils Monster New WH Helicopter Landing Zone
PBS NewsHourWATCH: Trump previews new White House helipad
ForbesTrump Raves About Ballroom Combining ‘Cocktails’ And ‘Bomb Shelters’
Daily KosTrump gives tacky tour of White House he gilded
AlterNetTrump dragged for bizarre tour of gold coin-adorned White House helipad
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Left · 6
27%
Center · 3
18%
Right · 2
Pano rates the coverage Mostly Left.
What happened
President Donald Trump brought reporters onto the White House South Lawn on Wednesday to inspect construction of a new granite helipad and a replacement driveway, turning an impromptu availability into a tour of his grounds projects. He said the asphalt driveway was being replaced with white granite quarried in California and described grading changes to the helipad. Trump signed a piece of the helipad stone and said the installation would remain for generations. He also discussed plans for a White House ballroom, including adjacent space for cocktails and bomb shelters.
