Secret Service plans permanent fence around Lafayette Square

The Secret Service will present plans Thursday to permanently fence Lafayette Square near the White House, a long-sought security measure President Trump supports. The proposal also includes a new visitor screening center, with the National Capital Planning Commission reviewing both projects. Past administrations rejected the fencing due to concerns about restricting public access to the historic park. The Secret Service argues the permanent structures will improve security and replace unsightly temporary measures, citing threats and protests like those after George Floyd's death in 2020. Preservationists and civic leaders warn the plans will further isolate the "People's House," calling security justifications a pretext. Trump has embraced the agency's recommendations following assassination attempts, though officials kept the square's red brick pavers, resetting them for safety instead of replacing them.