Trump accelerates White House helipad construction, adds $875,000 to cost ahead of Xi visit

Trump Accelerates White House Helipad Construction, Adding Nearly $1 Million to Cost

President Donald Trump has initiated another costly White House renovation, with an accelerated timeline for a new helipad on the South Lawn driving up expenses for taxpayers.

According to records from Clark Construction obtained by The Washington Post, the Trump administration sped up construction of the helipad, adding $875,000 to the overall cost. The project—which includes installing the helipad, renovating the White House's South Portico, and resurfacing the driveway with white stone—already carried a price tag of $13 million.

Contractor documents revealed a last-minute demand to complete construction by September 17, in anticipation of an "upcoming state visit." The request came just days after Trump invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the White House on September 24.

A Pattern of Ballooning Costs

This is not the first time a Trump renovation project has exceeded its initial budget:

• Trump originally claimed his White House ballroom project would cost only $200 million.
• That figure later rose to $300 million, and then to $400 million after he added extra construction.
• Last month, a bombshell report revealed taxpayers would be responsible for half of a $600 million price tag.

Who Pays?

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump announced that Sikorsky—a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin that builds Marine One helicopters—would cover the cost of a $5 million to $6 million helipad, complete with a White House seal carved from granite.

It remains unclear who is funding the remainder of Trump's multimillion-dollar project.

Read more: Trump Begins Another White House Renovation Project With No Notice

World Cup Controversies: Political Interventions Spark Integrity Concerns

France Appeals Yellow Card After Trump's Red Card Intervention

President Trump's intervention to overturn a red card for U.S. Men's National Team player Folarin Balogun is drawing criticism for undermining the integrity of the World Cup tournament.

The French national team has now appealed to FIFA to rescind a yellow card issued to Michael Olise during Saturday's match against Paraguay. Olise was penalized for a tackle involving contact with Paraguayan Matias Galarza's face, though replays showed Olise only held Galarza's shirt.

While a yellow card does not directly result in a suspension like a red card, France argues that overturning Balogun's suspension has set a precedent.

Other Political Interventions

• United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intervened with FIFA to prevent England's match against Mexico from being rescheduled to an earlier time due to weather concerns. England argued they would not have sufficient time to train for high-altitude conditions at Mexico's Estadio Azteca.
• England Red Card Appeal: British Attorney General Richard Hermer may also intervene with FIFA to overturn a red card issued to England player Jarrell Quansah during Sunday's match against Mexico, according to The Telegraph.

FIFA Denies Belgium's Appeal

FIFA has denied an appeal from Belgium challenging the decision to lift Balogun's red card.

The red card was issued after Balogun awkwardly stepped on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović's ankle during Wednesday's match. Hours after the game ended, Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain about the decision. On Sunday, FIFA's disciplinary committee announced it was overturning Balogun's suspension.