Trump Administration's Gilded DC Statues Spark Debate
On July 27, President Donald Trump drew attention to two opulent equestrian statues situated close to the Lincoln Memorial via his Truth Social platform, igniting a public discussion. These nineteen-foot bronze sculptures, adorned with 23.75 gold leaf, are part of a $5.1 million initiative revealed by the Department of the Interior in April to regild four horse monuments. Created by Leo Friedlander, the 'Arts of War' statues showcase nude males riding horses. In proximity, 'Arts of Peace' by James Earle Fraser features nude males alongside Pegasus. All four statues were gifts from Italy after World War II. The regilding process, fast-tracked through a no-bid contract, was originally scheduled for July 4, with 'Arts of Peace' now anticipated to complete by the end of September.
Key facts
- President Trump posted images of gilded statues on Truth Social on July 27.
- The statues are two of four equestrian monuments being regilded at a cost of $5.1 million.
- The Department of the Interior announced the regilding project in April.
- The statues are coated in 23.75 gold leaf.
- The 'Arts of War' statues were designed by Leo Friedlander.
- The 'Arts of Peace' statues were designed by James Earle Fraser.
- All four statues were a gift from Italy after World War II.
- The regilding was intended to be completed by July 4 for the US's 250th anniversary.
- A no-bid contract was awarded to a Maryland studio.
- The 'Arts of Peace' regilding is projected to finish by the end of September.
- An informal WTOP News poll showed divided public opinion.
- A previous no-bid renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was unsuccessful.
Entities
Artists
- Leo Friedlander
- James Earle Fraser
Institutions
- Department of the Interior
- WTOP News
- Truth Social
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- Maryland
- Lincoln Memorial
- Arlington Memorial Bridge
- White House