Trump's WH Visitor Screening Center Faces Final Vote

President Donald Trump's administration is seeking final approval Thursday for a permanent White House visitor screening center that would replace temporary trailers and tents, upgrade security, and improve access to the presidential complex.

The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to review final site and building plans Thursday afternoon. Federal project records show the commission approved preliminary plans Sept. 3, but had not posted a final decision ahead of Thursday's meeting.

The 12-member federal panel reviews projects affecting Washington and surrounding communities, including construction on federal property.

The National Park Service cleared another procedural step Sept. 21, issuing a finding that the proposed facility would not cause significant environmental impacts after completing an environmental assessment.

The Secret Service sought the center near Sherman Park, east of the White House grounds, saying it would improve campus security "by integrating the latest in protective technology."

White House spokesman Davis Ingle said "President Trump is committed to giving all visitors to the White House the best experience possible."

Current plans call for an entrance pavilion on Sherman Park's west side, a roughly 33,000-square-foot underground screening facility and a 4,000-square-foot exit building on East Executive Avenue.

The commission said the facility would provide more comfortable and efficient screening for tour groups, guests attending large events, White House employees, and contractors. Existing temporary security barriers would be removed.

Designers relocated the entrance from Sherman Park's south side to its west side after earlier reviews. Commissioners supported the change, saying it would reduce visual impacts, and help the park serve as a welcoming arrival space.

The design includes Corinthian columns intended to complement Trump's planned White House ballroom. Officials hope to complete construction of the new screening center by July 2028, although the administration has not disclosed its expected cost.

James McCrery II, Trump's former ballroom architect and a member of the Commission of Fine Arts, urged designers at a March hearing to scale back the structure.

"Can this building please be made shorter in length? And shorter in height?" McCrery said. "It's such a prominent thing. And its prominence, then, obligates it to be beautiful."

The Commission of Fine Arts approved the concept in July. Its staff gave final approval Sept. 24, The Washington Post reported. The planning commission also requested detailed locations and species for replacement trees and other plantings.

The screening center is part of a broader security effort around the White House. In September, the commission separately reviewed proposals for an 8- to 10-foot fence and gates around Lafayette Park.

Evan Cash, a D.C. Council staff member serving on the planning commission, praised the screening center's review process.

"It's a great example of the regular order of things coming through here and how the project becomes better, actually probably cheaper and a little bit more effective in how it's going to work," Cash said.

Commission Chair Mark Paoletta said, "It is evident that a more permanent, thoughtfully designed facility is much needed to welcome visitors to the White House complex."

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