# New White House Helipad Debuts as Networks Boycott Coverage

- URL: https://twotakes.us/stories/new-white-house-helipad-debuts-as-networks-boycott-coverage
- Published: 2026-09-22T19:17:13.921958+00:00
- Topics: white-house, trump, press-freedom, media, infrastructure

## What the left says
- The timing draws attention because the helipad unveiling coincided with the administration barring CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House access, raising concerns about retaliation against critical press coverage.
- The five major networks' decision to boycott video coverage of the ribbon-cutting reflects a broader First Amendment dispute over press access rather than indifference to the helipad itself.
- Questions remain about whether a $5-6 million infrastructure project funded through a defense contractor represents an appropriate use of resources amid other priorities.
- The lack of clear audio or press access to the president's remarks during a public event on government grounds underscores concerns about transparency.

## What the right says
- The helipad solves a genuine operational problem, since the heavier VH-92A Patriot helicopter was scorching and tearing up the South Lawn turf, a limitation acknowledged even during the prior administration.
- Reducing the president's ground transfer time and exposure on an open lawn reflects standard security practice rather than extravagance.
- The project was funded by Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin rather than taxpayers, and follows a long line of White House infrastructure upgrades pursued by presidents of both parties.
- The media's decision to boycott coverage and focus on press-access grievances rather than reporting a straightforward infrastructure milestone shows misplaced priorities.

## Common ground
- The VH-92A Patriot helicopter's rotor wash and heat had been damaging the South Lawn grass, a problem officials wanted to fix.
- The new granite helipad cost between $5-6 million and was funded by Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky rather than taxpayers.
- Monday's flight marked the first operational use of both the new helipad and the VH-92A for presidential transport from the White House.
- The event occurred alongside the administration's decision to revoke White House access for CNN, Politico, and MS NOW, prompting five major networks to boycott video coverage of the ceremony.

## Sources
- [Breitbart](https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/09/21/trump-white-house-helipad-first-time-ribbon-cutting/) (Unknown)
- [Just The News](https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/all-things-trump/trump-debuts-new-white-house-helipad-ahead-united-nations-general?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators) (Right)
- [RedState](https://redstate.com/brad-essex/2026/09/22/the-essex-files-trumps-new-helipad-is-a-practical-fix-the-press-loves-to-ignore-n2207206) (Unknown)
- [The War Zone](https://www.twz.com/air/marine-one-vh-92a-makes-first-operational-use-of-new-white-house-helipad) (Unknown)
- [Townhall](https://townhall.com/news/cameron-arcand/2026/09/21/marine-one-lifts-off-from-sleek-new-white-house-helipad-n2683341) (Right)
- [Washington Times](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/21/donald-trump-inaugurates-white-house-helipad-networks-skip-coverage/) (Right)

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