President Donald Trump gave reporters a tour of a new helipad at the White House on Wednesday. He praised the work and spoke with pride about several building projects on the grounds.
The tour lasted about 30 minutes. It came as Trump faces several major issues at home and abroad.
Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level of his presidency. The conflict with Iran also remains a major issue for his administration.
But during the tour, Trump focused on construction work at the White House.
Workers have been building the helipad on the South Lawn. Work has continued around the clock.
Trump approved the project to help solve a problem with the next generation of Marine One helicopters. The new helicopters may damage the White House lawn when they land.
The new helipad will be about 100 feet wide. Trump said pilots were pleased with the project.
“The happiest people are the pilots,” Trump told reporters.
Trump also signed a large granite slab that will form part of the helipad. The stone is shaped like an eagle’s head.
The president said the project would remain at the White House for many years. He joked that his signature should face up instead of down.
Trump also asked workers and White House officials to sign the stone.
The project is being completed at a fast pace. Officials want it ready before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the White House in September.
Trump has also ordered changes to the helipad during construction. He said he wanted the slope changed.
He said the change would delay the project by about a week and a half. But Trump said raising the helipad was one of the best decisions made during the work.
Trump said the helipad could have uses beyond helicopter landings. He said it could be used for events and to welcome foreign leaders.
The president used the tour to highlight other changes at the White House.
He pointed to new grass and soil on the South Lawn. He thanked ScottsMiracle-Gro for donating new sod.
“Grass has a life like humans have a life,” Trump said. “If you’re grass, you’re very happy.”
Trump has often spoken about his interest in construction and design. Before entering politics, he built his career as a real estate businessman.
He has also ordered work on the White House facade. Other projects include new flagpoles and changes aimed at improving the experience for visiting leaders and other guests.
The White House ballroom project is the largest of these plans.
Trump wants to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The project has faced strong criticism from some architects and other opponents.
Critics say the ballroom is too large and could change the look of the White House.
The legal fight over the ballroom is also continuing. The Supreme Court is considering whether construction should be stopped while the case moves forward.
Trump defended the plan during Wednesday’s tour.
“We’ve gotten tremendous architectural reviews. It’s beautiful,” he said.
Construction of the ballroom could be heard from the South Lawn during the helipad tour. Workers were also active around the new landing area.
The helipad has received a mixed response. Some former pilots and officials have questioned whether the project is needed and how it may change the familiar sight of Marine One landing on the White House lawn.
Trump, however, appeared pleased with the project.
He said the new helipad would serve the White House for many years. He also used the visit to praise the workers who built it.
The tour gave Trump a chance to focus on a subject he has often enjoyed: construction.
With the White House facing major political and foreign policy challenges, the president spent part of Wednesday morning discussing grass, stone, helicopters and new buildings.
For Trump, the helipad was not only a place for Marine One to land. He presented it as another lasting change to the White House.
