Trump showcases newly gilded Arts of War horse statues in Washington
Donald Trump posted photos of the restored gold-finished Arts of War sculptures as scaffolding was removed, revealing the monuments near the Lincoln Memorial.
Donald Trump posted a set of pictures on Truth Social showing the last phases of the Arts of War restoration, with scaffolding being dismantled around the gilded horse statues near the Lincoln Memorial. An exclusive video from one outlet documented crews pulling down the remaining structures, unveiling the bright gold finish on the bronze figures. The monuments, which sit at the eastern entrance of Arlington Memorial Bridge, are part of a broader National Park Service preservation effort that also addresses purple staining on the granite pedestals caused by copper runoff.
The agency closed adjacent lawn areas on July 2 to protect visitors and workers, a restriction that will stay in place until at least September 30, though sidewalks and bridge approaches remain open. No road closures were required, and the parkland will stay partially limited while the overall rehabilitation continues. The White House has not commented on the release.
Why it matters
The unveiling highlights a high-profile restoration of historic monuments and the president's use of social media to promote cultural projects.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights the soaring cost, no-bid contract and alleged favoritism, while right-leaning coverage celebrates the unveiling of the gilded statues as part of a successful preservation effort.
LEFT
Frames the project as a costly, poorly managed use of taxpayer money that benefits donors.
RIGHT
Frames the project as a proud showcase of restored historic monuments and effective National Park Service work.
The left emphasises
- the contract price jumped from $2.5 million to about $5 million
- the work was awarded without competition
- critics say the process enables donor-funded favoritism and the Reflecting Pool renovation remains stalled
The right emphasises
- the gilded horse statues are being revealed as scaffolding comes down
- the effort is part of a broader National Park Service preservation program
- area closures are in place to protect visitors and workers during the work
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