Trump wants to fence off the park closest to the White House, a popular protest spot
NPR – Politics
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Summary
A rendering from the Trump administration's proposal shows what the fencing would look like, when open, looking south toward the White House from H Street. U.S. Commission of Fine Arts hide caption 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. Nadine Seiler, a Maryland-based activist, described the park as "ground zero for protests." "Women's suffrage, civil rights, anything that you could think of," she told NPR on Tuesday from the park, where she was attending the anti-ICE (immigration enforcement agency) protest and also holding a banner referencing D.C.'s reflecting pool.
From the source
The Trump administration wants to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Park, directly outside the White House. It's long been a popular spot for protesters, who worry barriers will change that. (Image credit: U.S. Commission of Fine Arts)
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