President Donald Trump‘s former White House chief of staff has raised safety concerns over his new flagpoles.
Trump oversaw the installation of two flagpoles on the White House’s lawns on Wednesday, each measuring 30.5 meters in height.
Mick Mulvaney warned that the flagpoles could pose a problem for landing the president’s helicopter. “I see a problem for where they’re supposed to land the helicopter — because this is right on the South Lawn, and I’m not really sure,” he told NewsNation.
Newsweek contacted the White House for comment by email outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
The two flagpoles are the most noticeable exterior modification to the White House that Trump has made since returning to office.
Workers have also begun paving over the grass in the Rose Garden, and there are plans to construct a new ballroom in the White House grounds.
What To Know
Commenting on the potential safety threat for helicopter landings, Mulvaney said: “I imagine they considered this, they’d be landing someplace else… but I’m looking at this going, as the chief of staff, who’s in charge of military operations at the White House, ‘where are we landing the helicopter without creating an increased risk for the president of the United States?’ I don’t know the answer to that yet.”
During the flagpole installation ceremony on Wednesday, Trump asked the construction workers if they were illegal migrants, and said he hoped they all voted for him.
He added: “These are the best poles anywhere in the country or in the world… It’s a very exciting project to me.”
Trump said the polls cost “like $50,000,” and that he was gifting them to the White House.
When asked what gave him the idea for the flagpoles, Trump answered: “I’ve had it for a long time. In the first term I had it, but, you know, you guys were after me. I said I had to focus. I was the hunted. And now I’m the hunter. There’s a big difference.”
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday: “It is my Great Honor to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful Flag Poles on both sides of the White House, North and South Lawns. It is a GIFT from me of something which was always missing from this magnificent place.
“These are the most magnificent poles made – They are tall, tapered, rust proof, rope inside the pole, and of the highest quality. Hopefully, they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!”
What Happens Next
Trump has said he wants to build a new ballroom at the White House during his term.
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