The two horse statues that guard the pedestal of Washington’s Lincoln Memorial, popularly known as the Arts of War, were recently relit with 23‑karat gold by the Trump administration. The gilding project, billed as a tribute to the nation’s military heritage, cost a reported $5.1 million according to federal requisition filings.
When the newly policed surface burst into a warm, metallic sheen, the monument’s regular visitors and casual onlookers stopped to stare. BBC reporters walked the lawn and asked the public, “What do you think of the $5 million renovation?” Hundreds of people answered in a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism.
Some applauded the gleaming horses, calling the gold finish a stunning homage to the patriotic spirit the statues were meant to celebrate. Others felt the money could be better spent elsewhere, pointing to other neglected monuments that also deserve attention.
The video footage, shot by Meiying Wu and shared by the BBC, offers a live glimpse of the debate. The timing of the unveiling coincides with a renewed focus on monument conservation and popular tourism strategies in Washington DC.
Whether the gold will inspire a new wave of monument upgrades or serve as a cautionary tale against budget overruns remains to be seen. For now, the shining horses continue to capture the eye and stir conversation across the nation’s capital.
