White House Reopens Part of Lafayette Square After 8 Months as Security Fence Plan Advances
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 28
White House Reopens Part of Lafayette Square After 8 Months as Security Fence Plan Advances
2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 28
Summary
Workers on Monday moved temporary fencing along H Street NW, reopening part of Lafayette Square eight months after the White House closed the park for renovations.
A White House official said the Secret Service is trying to expand public access while balancing President Donald Trump’s security needs, with notice of additional openings expected soon.
Much of the park remained fenced off Monday afternoon even though renovations were largely finished by summer, as officials had kept the area closed over security risks.
The partial reopening comes as the Secret Service pursues a permanent fence around the park, part of a broader effort to harden White House grounds after assassination attempts against Trump.
Local officials and nearby groups including St. John’s Church had pressed for reopening, arguing the closure restricted public access and protests and pushed pedestrians into surrounding areas.