Trump wants a permanent fence around the D.C. park known for White House protests

Source: NPR

Updated July 16, 202612:34 PM ET


WASHINGTON — The Trump administration wants to permanently fence off a park near the White House that has long served as a gathering place for protesters. Some worry it will soon become even harder to make their voices heard.

Lafayette Park is a seven-acre plot filled with green lawns, shaded walkways and five historic statues, the most prominent of which shows President Andrew Jackson on a rearing horse. The park is directly north of the White House — the closest a pedestrian can get to the landmark — making it a popular spot for tourists to take photos and protesters to rally.

On Tuesday morning, under the scorching sun, a small group of protesters gathered just outside the park with microphones and posters to rally against the administration's use of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after two deadly shootings in less than a week. Across the street, closest to the White House, several other activists stood alone and in pairs holding various signs: against war, against hate, against Trump.

"The White House is the spot that everybody likes to stop at," said Donna Powell, 67. "It's very iconic in the sense that this is where the president lives … So we make sure to stop here and protest. We feel it's very important."

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/16/nx-s1-5893465/dc-lafayette-square-park-permanent-fencing-proposal