Here’s what happened.
President Donald Trump is showcasing another step in his plan to restore and reshape Washington, D.C., revealing newly restored historic statues that are part of a broader effort to preserve America’s landmarks and prepare the nation’s capital for the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Trump shared several images on Truth Social showing workers removing scaffolding from the newly regilded Arts of War sculptures near Arlington Memorial Bridge.
“Taking down the scaffolding around the regilded Arts of War sculptures!” Trump wrote alongside the photos.
The restoration marks another milestone in an ambitious series of projects launched since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. His administration says the goal is to preserve historic monuments, improve public spaces, and celebrate America’s history through lasting investments in the nation’s capital.
Historic Washington Landmark Restored
According to federal records, the National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million contract to Maryland-based Gilders’ Studio to restore both the Arts of War and Arts of Peace monuments.
Construction began in April and is expected to continue through September.
The Arts of War sculptures, created by American sculptor Leo Friedlander, feature the bronze figures Valor and Sacrifice, which stand on either side of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Nearby, the Arts of Peace monuments were designed by acclaimed artist James Earle Fraser and include four figures representing Music, Harvest, Aspiration, and Literature at the entrance to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.
The restoration is intended to preserve these historic works while returning them to their original appearance after decades of weathering.
LOOK:
TRUMP: Announces scaffolding removal around regilded Arts of War sculptures pic.twitter.com/iMbufhkNZh
— Trump Truths (@trumptruthsbot) July 27, 2026
Trump Pushes Major Washington Renovation Plan
The statue restoration is only one piece of Trump’s broader vision for Washington.
Among the administration’s highest-profile proposals is a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom capable of seating approximately 650 guests for state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and official ceremonies.
The White House says the project would provide a permanent venue for major events instead of relying on temporary structures during large gatherings. Current estimates place the project’s cost at approximately $400 million.
Trump has also proposed constructing a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Memorial Bridge to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, creating what supporters describe as a lasting national monument honoring the country’s founding.
National Garden of American Heroes Moves Forward
Another centerpiece of Trump’s agenda is the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.
The project calls for approximately 250 life-size statues honoring influential Americans who helped shape the nation’s history.
Trump originally signed an executive order establishing the garden near the end of his first term and has renewed efforts to complete the project during his current administration.
Earlier this year, Trump said the National Garden of American Heroes will be built in West Potomac Park, describing the area as a public space his administration intends to transform into one of the most beautiful in the world.
Supporters say the garden would provide Americans with a permanent tribute to the nation’s founders, military heroes, inventors, artists, and other historical figures.
Additional Projects Across the Capital
The administration has also proposed improvements to East Potomac Golf Links, one of Washington’s oldest public golf courses.
Officials say the broader renovation strategy is designed to modernize aging facilities while preserving historic landmarks for future generations.
Together, the projects represent one of the largest redevelopment efforts proposed for the nation’s capital in decades.
Critics Raise Questions About the Projects
Not everyone agrees with Trump’s plans.
Historic preservation organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the D.C. Preservation League, have questioned portions of the White House ballroom proposal, arguing that major changes to historic government property should undergo extensive review.
Some Democratic lawmakers have also challenged whether certain projects require additional congressional authorization and have raised questions about funding and oversight.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has called for greater transparency regarding several proposed renovations, saying projects involving national landmarks deserve careful public review before construction begins.
The administration, however, has maintained that preserving America’s historic sites and improving public spaces are worthwhile investments that will benefit future generations.
Looking Ahead
With restoration work continuing on the historic statues and additional projects moving through the planning process, Trump’s effort to reshape Washington remains one of the most closely watched initiatives of his second term.
Supporters view the improvements as an opportunity to restore the beauty of the nation’s capital while celebrating American history ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary. Whether every proposal ultimately moves forward may depend on funding, legal challenges, and future approvals, but the restoration of the Arts of War and Arts of Peace monuments is already providing a visible preview of the administration’s larger vision for Washington.
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