The Trump administration moved a step closer Thursday to adding permanent fencing around Lafayette Square as a federal design panel expressed support for the security proposal, citing the need to better protect the White House while preserving public access.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, an advisory panel, reviewed the proposal but did not hold a formal vote, according to NBC News. But the outlet reported that the commissioners appeared broadly supportive of the plan.

“The proposal is not to close the park, but to enclose the park,” James C. McCrery II, vice chair of the commission, said. “It’s still open.”

The proposal follows ongoing concerns from President Donald Trump and the U.S. Secret Service over White House security and vandalism during demonstrations. Temporary fencing already surrounds the 7-acre park.

McCrery said the Secret Service remains committed to protecting Americans' First Amendment rights but said the conduct of some protesters has driven the push for additional security measures.

Commission Chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr. said the panel received more than 100 public comments on the proposal.

Many commenters reportedly argued Lafayette Square has historically served as one of the nation's premier gathering places for First Amendment demonstrations and questioned whether permanent fencing would change that role.

Lafayette Square has been the site of major public demonstrations for more than a century, including women's suffrage protests in 1917 and protests following the 2020 death of George Floyd, when the park was temporarily closed.

The fencing proposal is one of several projects the Trump administration has advanced as part of broader improvements to the White House campus and other prominent Washington landmarks during the president's second term.

Those efforts include plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch near the National Mall, renovations to the Reflecting Pool and changes at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

According to NBC, the Commission of Fine Arts also approved revised plans Thursday for a new security screening facility for White House visitors, another upgrade to the White House complex following the start of construction on a new ballroom.

The commission's recommendations are advisory and do not carry enforcement authority.