The Trump administration is trying to restrict D.C. public spaces popular with protesters The public spaces of Washington D.C. have long served as places of protest for Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. Now the Trump administration is trying to limit how demonstrators could access and use certain spaces, including closing most of the sidewalk in front of the White House.
In a new rule proposed by the National Park Service, which manages D.C. landmarks including the National Mall and the White House-adjacent Lafayette Park, the regulations around how those landmarks could be used would be changed.
?The proposed changes would modify regulations explaining how the NPS processes permit applications for demonstrations and special events,? reads the draft rule, as well as ?identify locations where activities are allowed, not allowed, or allowed but subject to restrictions.? These changes may include charging more for permits, requiring more advanced notice for demonstrations, or limiting the number of people allowed to use certain spaces. The rule also would make certain memorials off-limits to ?preserve an atmosphere of contemplation? and establish ?permanent security zones? where public access would be prohibited completely.
The implementation of such zones would require closing 80 percent of the sidewalk in front of the White House, a popular place for impromptu demonstrations. Last year, a new design was approved for the White House fence to deter peop...