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President Trump Unveils Regilded Arts of War and Arts of Peace Statues in Washington, D.C.

The administration announced the completion of a regilding project for the Arts of War and Arts of Peace statues located near the Lincoln Memorial. The sculptures, which were originally bronze, have been coated in nearly 24-karat gold leaf to celebrate America's 250th birthday. The administration awarded a $5.1 million no-bid contract to Maryland firm The Gilders’ Studio to perform the work, which includes restoring the granite plinths and the accompanying pair of statues. While the project is a success for supporters, critics have noted that the cost ballooned from an initial estimate of $2.4 million to the final $5.1 million. Some observers have questioned the use of no-bid contracts to steer lucrative projects to political allies. However, the administration defended the work as a bold vision to beautify the nation's interior. The statues, which symbolize the nation's military strength and cultural achievements, are now being revealed as scaffolding is removed, though the Arts of Peace pair remains partially covered during ongoing restoration.

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