Trump inaugurates White House helipad but networks skip coverage over media ban

US President Donald Trump showed off his new White House helicopter landing pad on Monday, attempting to brush aside a First Amendment firestorm even as major television networks kept their cameras away because CNN was not allowed to cover the event.

Trump used oversized gold scissors to cut a red, white and blue ribbon. He then exchanged handshakes with officials wearing green construction smocks and hard hats – seeking to portray business as usual.

The noise of his waiting helicopter meant Trump did not answer shouted questions before climbing aboard Marine One for a flight to New York.

Trump has long crowed about how the new helipad – featuring extensive granite that the president boasts will have “million-year life”, as well as a large insignia reading the “Seal of the President of the United States” – would impress Chinese President Xi Jinping, who arrives on Wednesday for a state visit.