On Truth Social, President Donald Trump shared images depicting the ongoing restoration of The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace statues in Washington D.C. The images featured a recently regilded statue surrounded by scaffolding with workers engaged in the restoration. Trump commented, “Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!”
Since resuming office in January 2025, Trump has initiated several ambitious construction projects in the capital. These include significant works on the White House, a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch along the Potomac River, renovations to a historic public golf course in Washington D.C., and plans for a statue garden honoring figures from American history.
The National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million contract in April to a Maryland-based studio for gilding the four bronze horse statues, known as The Arts of War and Arts of Peace. According to federal records, the restoration started in April and is set to conclude in September.
The Arts of War statues, crafted by American sculptor Leo Friedlander, illustrate the concepts of Valor and Sacrifice. They frame the entrance to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The Arts of Peace statues were sculpted by James Earle Fraser, another American sculptor. They include Neoclassical works titled Music and Harvest, as well as Aspiration and Literature, situated at the entrance to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as available.