Trump plan would fence Pennsylvania Avenue outside White House

Source: msn/Washington Post

12h


The Trump administration plans to erect new fences on the ends of Pennsylvania Avenue NW outside the White House, the latest effort to boost presidential security, according to three people who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the plans.

The White House and Secret Service would be able to close the new fences, planned where Pennsylvania Avenue intersects 15th and 17th streets NW, and prevent pedestrian access in front of the White House if they determine there are security risks, the people said. The White House has long relied on temporary barriers, staffed by Secret Service personnel, to shut down Pennsylvania Avenue to pedestrians.

Secret Service officials have previously suggested building permanent fences on Pennsylvania Avenue but faced resistance from past administrations over the perception of restricting public access to the White House, the people said. Asked about the planned fencing, a White House official said that conversations about improving campus security were ongoing and that any proposed projects would go through a review process.

The National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts, a pair of federal agencies that oversee design matters related to construction projects in the capital region, have historically reviewed major changes to the White House and its grounds. That process often can stretch months or years, although the commissions — which are now led by Trump allies — have rushed several of the president’s projects.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-plan-would-fence-pennsylvania-avenue-outside-white-house/ar-AA27CUyN