**Trump Provides Update on Regilding of Iconic Horse Statues Near Lincoln Memorial**
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On 12th June, President Donald Trump announced significant progress on a multi-million pound project involving the regilding of bronze horse statues situated close to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Taking to his platform Truth Social, the president stated that the richly valued project is proceeding swiftly, with intentions to complete the work by 3rd July.
The bronze horse statues, known as the Arts of War and Arts of Peace, are being restored through a £5 million contract awarded by the National Park Service to a gilding studio in Maryland. Alongside his message, Trump shared images showcasing workers meticulously applying a layer of 23.75-karat gold leaf to the statues, a process that requires skilled craftsmanship.
In his announcement, the President emphasised that the statues would be entirely regilded in time for the Fourth of July celebrations, which hold special significance as the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary. This project is part of a broader initiative to revamp various monuments and landmarks in the capital, reflecting Trump’s critique of the state of some public spaces in Washington.
The contract for the restoration was granted in mid-April, without a competitive bidding process, as the Department of the Interior aimed to complete the refurbishment by the time of national festivities. The choice to proceed unobstructed underscores the administration’s intention to maintain efficiency in addressing the perceived neglect of the city’s historic sites.
In recent discussions, Trump has indicated that the regilding of the horse statues is not an isolated endeavour. During a Cabinet meeting on 27th May, he pointed out the need for additional upgrades, including plans to repaint the basin of the World War II Memorial’s central fountain, which he described as being “in pretty bad shape.” Furthermore, a substantial investment of £11 million has already been made towards the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
In conjunction with these restoration efforts, the White House is preparing for another event related to the 250th anniversary celebrations. A temporary arena is underway, intended to host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on 14th June, an occasion that coincidentally marks not only the U.S. Army’s birthday and Flag Day but also the president’s 80th birthday. Trump has insisted that the scheduling of the event on his birthday was purely coincidental.
Amid the excitement over upcoming festivities, including the regilding project and the UFC event, there has been a noticeable absence of responses from the Interior Department, despite multiple requests for comments regarding the regilding of the horse statues.
The regilding of the statues has ignited conversations surrounding art preservation and national heritage, particularly as the country gears up to mark its 250th year of independence. Trump’s administration is keen on showcasing these vibrant restorations as part of the broader narrative about renewing national pride and historical appreciation in Washington, D.C.
As the deadline approaches for the final looks of the bronze horses, both locals and tourists alike await the sights of these lavishly restored pieces of art, symbolic of the nation’s enduring legacy. The meticulous application of gold leaf serves not only as a restoration effort but also as a celebration of American culture and history during a significant year for the United States.