Trump Shares Update on D.C. Beautification Project

President Donald Trump recently provided an update on his latest beautification initiative in Washington, D.C.: the re-gilding of war art sculptures near the Lincoln Memorial.

On Truth Social, Trump mentioned that work on this “huge” project is proceeding quickly, sharing a photo of a team working on a large golden horse head, which he claimed was taken on Thursday.

“Gilders Studios flew to Gilders from all over the country to perform this production!” he remarked, pointing out that the project aims for completion by July 3rd, just in time for the 250th American Independence Day celebrations.

In April, the National Park Service granted a $5 million contract to The Gilders Studio, based in Maryland, to restore four statues. According to the Department of the Interior, these will be coated with a substantial layer of 23.75 carat gold leaf.

The “Art of War” statue sits at the east end of Arlington Memorial Bridge, while the “Art of Peace” statue is located at the convergence of Parkway Drive and Potomac Parkway in Rock Creek. Created in 1951 by American sculptor Leo Friedlander, the statues feature bronze likenesses of horses and figures set on granite bases.

The essence of the “Arts of War” highlights two themes: courage and sacrifice. One statue represents a bearded, strong man on a horse, modeled after Mars, the Roman god of war. Beside him stands a half-naked woman with a shield. The sacrificial aspect features similar figures, including a man holding a child and a woman gazing upward.

On the other hand, the “Art of Peace” embodies elements like music, harvest, aspirations, and literature. One of its sculptures represents Pegasus, a winged horse accompanied by a man holding a sickle and a sheaf of wheat—a nod to harvest time. Opposite is a woman with a harp, symbolizing music. Another statue illustrates a man with an open book, symbolizing literature, alongside a toga-clad man with a bow, representing desire.

Trump’s post also noted the proximity of these statues to the Arc de Triomphe, another project from his tenure.

The Trump administration is actively adding to its portfolio of renovation and construction endeavors in the capital, all part of an executive order issued last year aimed at “Making the District of Columbia safe and beautiful.”

Recently, the Department of the Interior announced the restoration of Columbus Circle at Union Station. The Christopher Columbus statue, which had previously been marred by graffiti—including messages like “FREE GAZA”—is now clean, and the fountain has water running after being unused for nearly two decades.