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Trump's 'Beautification' Gilds D.C. Equestrian Statues

cultural-heritage · 2026-07-31

So, President Trump launched this beautification project, and as part of it, two equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., are getting a makeover with 23.75-karat gold leaf. The National Park Service approved a $5.1 million no-bid contract to a Maryland contractor back in April, aiming to finish the work by July 4, 2026, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The first phase, focusing on the Valor and Sacrifice statues from the Arts of War, wrapped up by late July, with scaffolding removed on July 27. The final touches on the Arts of Peace statues are expected by the end of September. These statues were originally commissioned in 1929 and installed in 1951, with their last update in the 1970s.

Key facts

  • Two equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial were gilded with 23.75-karat gold leaf.
  • The renovation is part of Trump's 'beautification' plan ahead of America's 250th birthday in 2026.
  • The National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million no-bid contract to a Maryland contractor in April.
  • The Arts of War statues (Valor and Sacrifice) were completed by July 27; Arts of Peace statues (Music and Harvest, Aspiration and Literature) are expected by end of September.
  • The statues were designed by Leo Friedlander (Arts of War) and James Earle Fraser (Arts of Peace), commissioned in 1929 but not installed until 1951.
  • The gilding was done by the Gilders' Studio, which specializes in architectural gilding.
  • The granite pedestals were cleaned of purple stains caused by bronze runoff.
  • Other beautification projects include a $600 million White House ballroom and a $16.4 million Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation.
  • A proposed United States Triumphal Arch is planned across the Potomac.

Entities

Artists

  • Leo Friedlander
  • James Earle Fraser

Institutions

  • National Park Service
  • Gilders' Studio
  • White House
  • Lincoln Memorial

Locations

  • Washington, D.C.
  • United States
  • West Potomac Park
  • Lincoln Memorial Circle
  • National Mall
  • Potomac River

Sources