President Donald Trump highlighted the restoration efforts of The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace statues in Washington D.C. He shared four images displaying the work on one of the newly regilded statues surrounded by scaffolding, along with workers actively engaged in the project. ‘Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!’ he announced on Truth Social.

Since regaining office in January 2025, Trump initiated several ambitious construction projects in the capital. These include significant renovations to the White House and the construction of a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch along the Potomac River. Other projects consist of the renovation of a historic public golf course and plans for a statue garden to honor notable figures from American history.

In mid-April, the National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million contract to a Maryland-based gilding studio for the restoration of the four bronze horse statues, known as the Arts of War and Arts of Peace. Federal records reveal the restoration work began in April and is expected to finish by September.

The Arts of War sculptures, created by American sculptor Leo Friedlander, include two statues, Valor and Sacrifice. They stand at the entrance to Arlington Memorial Bridge. The Arts of Peace, crafted by sculptor James Earle Fraser, feature Neoclassical statues named Music and Harvest, and Aspiration and Literature, which are located at the entrance to the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.

This is a developing story. More details will follow as information becomes available.