The White House is strengthening security at its front entrance with a months-long project to reinforce the North Portico doors, according to a White House official.
The work is focused on improving security rather than appearance, the official told CNN. The entrance has recently been covered by scaffolding and tarps while crews also restore the historic exterior columns.
Sources told CNN the security upgrades have long been advocated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Unlike several other recent renovation projects ordered by President Donald Trump, including changes to the Rose Garden and decorative additions inside the White House, officials said the work at the North Portico is intended to better protect the building.
Security Work Follows Recent Threats
The upgrades come after Trump has faced multiple alleged assassination plots during his second term.
Those incidents include an alleged assassination attempt tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April and an alleged plot targeting a UFC event held on the White House South Lawn last month.
Officials have cited those threats as part of the broader effort to strengthen security around the White House.
The North Portico project is expected to be completed around mid-September, according to the White House official.
Restoration Continues
Workers are also repairing the North Portico’s historic stone columns. On Friday, crews installed a third tarp printed with an image of the White House exterior to conceal the ongoing construction.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently said the restoration work was expected to move quickly.
“It’ll go very quickly,” Burgum said during an appearance on The Katie Miller Podcast. “These guys work very quick.”
