Trump renovates White House with donated granite helipad, security upgrades, and wrapped columns

The New Republic—The Trump White House is undergoing a series of renovations, including a granite helipad that Trump says helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky is donating, and security-focused upgrades to other parts of the building. The exterior columns of the White House were photographed covered in tarps during ongoing work, drawing public attention. A House Democrat separately called design changes to the new Air Force One a 'security risk.' The scope of renovations has expanded beyond initial public announcements.

• The New Republic — Multiple parts of the White House undergoing simultaneous renovation, going beyond initial announcements
• The Daily Beast — Trump White House Gets New Security Focused Renovation
• The Hill — House Democrat raised security concerns about design changes to the new Air Force One livery
• PBS NewsHour — Trump said Sikorsky is donating the granite helipad, implying no taxpayer cost
• PBS NewsHour — White House exterior columns photographed covered by tarps, confirming ongoing structural work