August M
Walk through major capitals, and you usually find classic bronze monuments.
“Sometimes, though, a sudden makeover ignites a fierce debate over spending and public taste. A new project in Washington has done exactly that, reports the Irish Star.
Golden new look
Donald Trump took to social media late Thursday to celebrate a lavish transformation in the capital. Posting on Truth Social, he shared an image of newly gilded monuments with a fresh phrase.
“So beautiful! D.C. is better than ever. Tender, loving care! President DJT,” he wrote above an image featuring the text “Only Trump.”
The post follows a $5.1 million project to cover historic sculptures in 24-karat gold leaf. Federal records show Maryland-based Gilders’ Studio won the contract, with restoration running through September.
Gifted from Italy in 1951, the Arts of War and Arts of Peace statues flank major city entrances. But the expensive makeover sparked sharp backlash.
Sparking sharp backlash
Critics blasted the project as an unnecessary display of vanity. Representative Melanie Stansbury called out the spending on X, pointing to the taxpayer bill.
“While you were over here trying to figure out how you were going to cover the rent and food-this guy was over there using $5.1 million in taxpayer money YOU paid into the system to cover these statues in 23 karat gold. Yeah, he did that,” Stansbury wrote.
Other social media users echoed those concerns, comparing the new look to a tacky Las Vegas Strip.
Edited local reactions
Tensions grew after official White House accounts shared a video highlighting public reactions. The clip, adapted from local station WTOP, featured exclusively positive feedback.
“I was walking on the back side of the memorial, and I was just like, woah, what is that?” Amy from Topeka, Kansas, told the outlet, while her daughter called them “super shiny” and “beautiful.”
However, the White House version edited out critical remarks from the original broadcast. Francis from Fort Washington, Maryland, told WTOP, “I think there’s a better use for the funds than polishing up these horses, even though they do give a good entry to D.C. from Arlington. In the end, it’s not really going to make a lot of difference as to people’s attitude about the District.”
Local resident Steven Davis also voiced doubt, calling the gilding “a little over-the-top for my taste.” He added, “I thought they looked great before. There was a lot of history behind it.”
Sources: Irish Star, Truth Social, X, WTOP
