politics
White House North Portico Columns and Doors Undergoing Repairs and Security Upgrades
Construction crews installed tarps and scaffolding at the North Portico last week. The work addresses column damage and door security enhancements, with completion expected around mid-September.
Jul 14, 7:27 AM·1m read1 source
nypost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Construction workers set up tarps and scaffolding at the North Portico columns of the White House last week. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that repairs were ordered after damage was noted on the pillars. Burgum made the remarks during a recent episode of The Katie Miller Podcast.
Work is also underway on the North Portico doors. A White House official stated the doors are undergoing security enhancements and upgrades. The North Portico project is expected to be finished around mid-September.
A Secret Service official confirmed security upgrades are taking place at the entrance. The White House did not respond to queries about the estimated cost of the North Portico renovation work. Time reported that President Trump vowed the main entrance “will be a symbol of extraordinary beauty and pride” when finished.
A proposal released Friday calls for permanently fencing Lafayette Square across from the White House. The fencing would include entrances that can be open or closed to restrict pedestrian access when the Secret Service determines heightened security is necessary. Phased implementation could potentially begin in 2027 but requires approval from several federal agencies.
House Democrats introduced legislation in May to block a proposed 250-ft triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. A federal judge ruled in June that only Congress could change the name of the Kennedy Center after it was added in December.
