Trump Cuts Ribbon on New White House Helipad Amid Audio Issues.
President Trump used oversized gold scissors to cut a red, white and blue ribbon on a new South Lawn helipad Monday. Five major networks boycotted the ceremony after the White House barred CNN from pool duties.
- $6 million is the estimated cost; Trump says Sikorsky Aircraft is funding it.
- The helipad features a carved granite presidential seal and began construction in June.
- New VH-92A Patriot helicopters are heavier and emit more heat than the Vietnam-era aircraft they replace.
- Trump said the project finished ahead of schedule and under budget.
Why it matters: The pool boycott left the White House's own social media feed as the sole live source — and Marine One's engine noise drowned out Trump's remarks entirely.
- CNN, MS Now, and Politico have sued after the White House announced their bans Friday.
- Five networks said in a joint statement: "The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government."
How 15 sources split on this story
Where they split: The central dispute is whether the White House's exclusion of specific outlets from pool rotation is a legitimate access decision or an unconstitutional restriction on press freedom.
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center frames the helipad as a footnote to a larger constitutional clash over press access, noting the boycott overshadowed both the ceremony and Xi's upcoming visit.
Associated Press3hTrump inaugurates new White House helipad, but networks skip coverage during First Amendment fight
PBS NewsHour40mTrump shows off new White House helipad, but networks skip coverage during First Amendment fight
The Hill1hTrump inaudible at helipad ribbon cutting amid press pool fightTNDThe National Desk2hTrump takes inaugural flight from White House helipad as networks boycott event coverageWPWPXI Pittsburgh3hTrump inaugurates new White House helipad, but networks skip coverage during First Amendment fight
Right coverage, 6 sources: The right frames the helipad as a legitimate and aesthetically impressive upgrade, portraying network non-coverage as a politically motivated snub of the president rather than a principled press-freedom stand.
New York Post3hTrump cuts ribbon on latest White House construction project -- but major TV networks refuse to show it
One America News1d‘Gift to America’: Trump praises new WH helipad ahead of first flight
Daily Mail1hTrump ruthlessly mocked as media ban spectacularly backfires at White House ribbon cutting ceremony
RSBNetwork1hPresident Trump cuts the ribbon on new White House helipad
The Gateway Pundit3hWATCH LIVE: President Trump Holds White House Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New White House Helipad * The Gateway Pundit * by Jordan Conradson
Washington Examiner2hTrump drowned out by background noise in first remarks without press poolWhat’s next: Xi Jinping arrives Wednesday; Trump said the helipad was built partly to impress visiting dignitaries.
- It is unclear whether the TV pool boycott extends beyond Monday.
- Will courts grant relief to CNN, MS Now, and Politico before the UN General Assembly week concludes?
- Will the TV networks restore pool coverage, and on what conditions?
- Who is ultimately paying — Sikorsky, private donors, or public funds — and what is the final cost?