Trump Unveils 23.75-Karat Regilded Arts of War Statues in $5.1 Million D.C. Overhaul
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 28
Trump Unveils 23.75-Karat Regilded Arts of War Statues in $5.1 Million D.C. Overhaul
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 28
Summary
Truth Social images showed the Arts of War statues at Arlington Memorial Bridge with scaffolding coming down, revealing a bright new gold finish after Trump said they would be regilded by July 3.
The two 1951 bronze sculptures — “Sacrifice” and “Valor” by Leo Friedlander — are being covered with 23.75-karat gold leaf under a $5.1 million contract awarded to The Gilders’ Studio.
Interior officials tied the restoration, along with work on the nearby Arts of Peace statues, to preparations for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, calling the project long overdue.
The unveiling extends Trump’s broader push to remake Washington landmarks after the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation drew criticism and ahead of a planned 250-foot ceremonial arch near Memorial Circle.