Trump's Washington makeover spree may have just found its next project

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has turned to White House history while continuing a series of high-profile construction projects across Washington, sharing a photograph of Dwight D Eisenhower beside a helicopter on the South Lawn.

Trump's post highlighted Eisenhower's 1957 milestone as the first sitting president to use a helicopter while in office.

The throwback comes as Trump is overseeing a major physical makeover of the White House and other landmarks in the capital, including a new South Lawn helipad.

Eisenhower first used a helicopter for presidential transportation on July 12, 1957.

The practice later became a regular part of White House operations, with presidential helicopters now a familiar feature of arrivals and departures from the South Lawn.

Dwight Eisenhower changed presidential travel forever

The photograph shared by Trump shows Eisenhower standing near one of the early presidential helicopters outside the White House.

According to the White House Historical Association, Eisenhower became the first president to travel by helicopter while in office during his second term.

The aircraft offered a new way to move the president quickly and was also viewed as an important security option during the Cold War.

Eisenhower's first presidential helicopter flight departed from the White House grounds for Camp David.

His use of the aircraft helped establish a tradition that continued through subsequent administrations.

Trump is building his own white House helipad

Trump's historical post also follows months of work on a permanent helipad on the White House South Lawn.

Construction began earlier this summer, with Trump saying the project was needed to accommodate newer, more powerful presidential helicopters.

He later showed reporters the granite landing area and described the project as part of wider improvements to the White House grounds.

The White House makeover has also included changes to the South Lawn, driveway and other parts of the property.

Washington projects continue to grow

Beyond the White House, Trump has pushed several major projects across Washington. 

His administration is moving ahead with plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, while the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Kennedy Center have also been the focus of major renovation proposals and work.

The new White House ballroom remains one of Trump's largest projects and has faced legal challenges as construction continues.

For Americans, Trump's expanding building program means some of Washington's most recognizable public spaces could look markedly different in the years ahead.