President Donald Trump unveiled another construction project at the White House on Wednesday, taking reporters on an impromptu tour of the South Lawn to showcase work on a new helipad and upgrades to the roadway leading to the presidential residence.
During the tour, Trump revealed that the driveway had been rebuilt using white granite mined in California, describing the material as a “very special stone” and saying the previous asphalt surface was not appropriate for a place like the White House.
Trump also discussed changes to the helipad, where construction began in June. He said he had intervened after deciding that the landing area had too much of a slope for his preference. The surface was subsequently rebuilt to be completely flat.
As he walked through the construction site, Trump pointed to work on the White House facade, including the removal and replacement of paint. He also highlighted newly prepared areas of soil and grass around the grounds.
Ballroom remains Trump’s biggest project
Although the new ballroom was not part of Wednesday’s tour, Trump repeatedly highlighted the project, which would cover about 90,000 square feet. His administration has argued that the ballroom and a secure facility planned underneath it involve national security considerations.
According to a court filing submitted earlier this month, about 250 workers have been working 20-hour days, seven days a week, and the overall complex was about 65% complete.
The tour reflected Trump’s growing focus on construction and physical changes to the White House. The president has repeatedly described building as one of his strengths and said he wants the projects to remain long after his presidency ends.