Trump’s $5M "Golden" Horse Statues Spark Heated Debate in D.C.

The newly restored bronze sculptures of The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace monuments have been officially unveiled in Washington, D.C., following a project overseen by the U.S. National Park Service. The restoration, conducted under the personal supervision of 80-year-old President Donald Trump, cost taxpayers approximately $5 million—and has already split the public into two opposing camps, People reports.

The four monumental equestrian statues, located near the Lincoln Memorial Circle, were regilded in a layer of extra-thick 23.75-karat gold leaf. Trump personally announced the removal of the scaffolding on his social media platform, Truth Social, sharing the first photos of the updated landmarks.

"Tacky" or "Super Shiny"?

The regilding contract was awarded in mid-April to a Maryland restoration studio without a competitive bidding process, as the Administration rushed to finish the project in time for the 4th of July (Independence Day). Although the restoration lagged several weeks behind schedule, the final result triggered a wave of reactions from locals and tourists alike.

Public opinion was sharply divided:

• "I don’t remember them being this shiny, this gaudy. I think there’s a better use for the funds than polishing up these horses," shared local resident Stephen Francio.

• "Tacky. It looks like Home Depot gold spray paint," agreed another resident from Maryland.

However, tourists generally welcomed the bold new aesthetic:

"I was walking on the backside of the Lincoln Memorial, and I was just like, 'Whoa, what is that?!'" recalled Amy, a visitor from Kansas. Her daughter Gio summed it up simply: "They're really nice and super shiny!"

A Billion-Dollar Overhaul for the Capital

The statue restoration is just a fraction of Trump’s broader vision to transform the architectural landscape of Washington, D.C., during his second term.

According to a recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll, nearly 65% of Americans view the president's urban redesign plans negatively. Proposed projects include constructing a massive new White House ballroom, building a triumphal arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, and renovating the Reflecting Pool.

An investigation by the Financial Times indicates that the total price tag for Trump's proposed D.C. renovations could top $1 billion when combining private donations and public funding. The construction of the White House ballroom alone, along with associated security upgrades, is projected to cost upwards of $800 million.