Lafayette Park Security Review

Federal Panel Evaluates Proposed Security Fence and Visitor Center at Lafayette Park

The National Capital Planning Commission is set to review a proposed fence around Lafayette Park near the White House, in front of the Whitehouse. The panel also plans to review an underground security screening center for White House visitors. This is the first time the commission will consider these proposals; votes are not expected. This spring, the commission approved a White House ballroom proposal after President Donald Trump razed the Executive Mansion’s East Wing without authorization. The fine arts panel, which is controlled by Trump appointees, also approved the visitors’ center plans at its July meeting. The administration's proposal for Lafayette Square calls for fencing all the way around with larger gates at the north and south entrances and options for monuments at each of the park’�s four corners.