White House South Lawn Helipad Completed as Ballroom Work Presses On

A helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn of the White House has been completed, even as construction continues on an adjacent ballroom that has drawn legal challenges.

President Donald Trump, who has personally overseen elements of the project, has spoken in detail about the choice of granite over asphalt for the pad, telling reporters he brought out to view the work that the stone can withstand 35,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.

The president also disclosed that the walkway from the White House's diplomatic entrance and a section of the asphalt driveway circling the South Lawn have been replaced with white granite.

Trump has argued that the $400 million ballroom will improve security at the White House and will incorporate features such as anti-drone technology. His administration previously sought $1 billion in congressional funding for military-related improvements to the structure, but the request was unsuccessful.

Aerial views from the Washington Monument show the finished helipad alongside the ballroom, which remains under construction.