The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a new security plan to bolster the protection of the White House, following a rise in security concerns after a series of attempts on the president's life over the past two years, as reported by the Associated Press.
The move comes at a time when safeguarding the U.S. president has become a top priority for security agencies. The administration aims to replace temporary measures with a permanent security system that aligns with the escalating nature of threats.
Trump has faced several assassination attempts recently, including two during his 2024 election campaign and another in April during a dinner with journalists in Washington.
Security concerns further escalated in May when a man opened fire near a White House checkpoint before being shot by Secret Service agents, bringing the focus back on the protection of the presidential residence.
Lafayette Park
The plan involves installing a permanent fence around the historic Lafayette Park, located in front of the White House's north facade, spanning approximately 32,000 square meters. The fence will be equipped with gates for visitor access control during security threats.
The administration believes this project will replace the metal barriers and temporary inspection tents used for years, offering a higher level of security while maintaining the park's historic character and continued use for protests and public events.
The administration is also deliberating on the fate of the four memorials at the park's corners, amid warnings that excluding them from the fenced area could make them more susceptible to vandalism.
Underground Security Center
The plan includes the construction of a permanent, advanced underground security screening center covering about 3,066 square meters. It will serve as the main reception point for public tour participants, official event guests, White House staff, and contractors.
Visitors will begin the process with identity verification in a dedicated above-ground pavilion before moving to the underground security screening center, then into the White House complex via escalators, enhancing both security and visitor experience.
The original design placed the facility near the southern edge of Sherman Park, but discussions with relevant authorities led to relocating it to the western edge of the complex to avoid infrastructure conflicts.
The revised facility design received a preliminary nod from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on Thursday, while the committee has yet to finalize the proposal for a permanent fence around Lafayette Park.
The administration also plans to propose a separate project for an extended security fence along Pennsylvania Avenue, adjoining the White House complex's north side, stretching from the Treasury Building to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, to be presented to the relevant committee later.
The U.S. administration states that the new facility will open by July 2028, replacing the temporary screening facilities used for years, within a more comprehensive plan to redevelop the White House's surrounding security system.
The administration believes these measures will provide more effective protection for the presidential residence, while preserving the area's historical and symbolic value and ensuring continued visitor access without compromising security needs.