President Trump plans to erect permanent fencing around Lafayette Square across the street from the White House, according to reports.
Three people who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Washington Post that Mr. Trump wants to put up the fencing on the northern and southern sides of the square. The barrier would replace temporary fencing in place for a renovation project.
If erected, the new fencing would let officials close off Lafayette Square if deemed necessary.
The square has been closed off since May 20 and will remain restricted through June 28 for cleanup of the UFC Freedom 250 event on the White House’s South Lawn, the National Park Service said. The agency has jurisdiction over Lafayette Square.
The square and its park are used for hundreds of protests each year, according to the White House Historical Association.
People familiar with the White House’s plans told the Post that previous administrations saw temporary fencing as an eyesore and that the Secret Service pushed for the permanent fencing.
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