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Trump inaugurates White House helipad amid media access dispute

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 3:02 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Inaugurates Helipad

U.S. President Donald Trump inaugurated the White House helipad with a VH-92A Patriot flight.
Trump posted on site that the flight was the helipad’s maiden voyage.
He barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico, which led other networks to skip the ceremony.
The four-inch-thick California granite helipad cost $5-6 million and was privately funded.
After construction began in June, Trump ordered work redone and South Lawn leveled because 20-degree grade exceeds FAA guidance.

Summary

Outlets Sue Administration

Three outlets sued, alleging First Amendment violations after their credentials were revoked.
It called media access a privilege, not a right, citing past administrations.
It cited press-restriction examples from the Obama and Biden presidencies.
President Donald Trump’s remarks were inaudible because no pool cameras or microphones recorded audio.
After the ceremony, Trump left for New York to attend the UN General Assembly and meet Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

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Trump Inaugurates Helipad

U.S. President Donald Trump inaugurated the White House helipad with a VH-92A Patriot flight.
Trump posted on site that the flight was the helipad’s maiden voyage.
He barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico, which led other networks to skip the ceremony.
The four-inch-thick California granite helipad cost $5-6 million and was privately funded.
After construction began in June, Trump ordered work redone and South Lawn leveled because 20-degree grade exceeds FAA guidance.

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