Politics
Secret Service advances plan to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square
The Trump administration is set to publicly present security proposals that previous administrations held back over public access concerns.
The short version
- The Trump administration is moving forward with a U.S. Secret Service plan to permanently fence Lafayette Square near the White House.
- The proposal would alter public access to the historic park directly across from the executive mansion.
- Previous administrations reviewed similar security proposals but did not approve them due to concerns regarding open public access.
- Administration officials are scheduled to publicly unveil the updated fencing plans.
Key facts
- The U.S. Secret Service has long sought increased security measures and fortifications around the White House complex.[The Washington Post]
- President Donald Trump is backing a plan to erect permanent fencing encompassing Lafayette Square.[The Washington Post]
- Prior administrations discussed permanent fencing for the park but never gave final approval due to concerns over limiting civic access, according to four people familiar with internal deliberations.[The Washington Post]
- Administration officials are scheduled to publicly present the finalized details of the fencing proposal.[The Washington Post]
What remains uncertain
- The exact design, construction timeline, and degree of public restriction under the proposed fencing plan have not yet been publicly disclosed.[The Washington Post]
Sources
- Secret Service is getting the fortified White House that past presidents resistedThe Washington Post - Politics metered