The gilding of Washington, DC's equestrian statues is part of a larger overhaul by President Trump. The $5 million project to regild the 'Arts of War' and 'Arts of Peace' sculptures has drawn criticism for its cost and lack of transparency.

Commissioned in 1929 and erected in 1951, these statues have long been neglected, with their bronze surfaces dulled by time. The new gilding is part of a broader effort to revamp landmarks across the capital city, reminiscent of the president’s Mar-a-Lago style.

While the project has sparked debate over its necessity and expense, it's not the first such renovation during Trump’s tenure. From his own office to planned additions like a state ballroom, the cost continues to escalate with Mar-a-Lago flair.

The National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million no-bid contract to the Gilders' Studio in Maryland for the project, but recent documents suggest actual costs may be significantly lower. The Department of the Interior has declined to comment on this discrepancy.

As the scaffolding comes down around these newly gilded statues, questions remain about their true value and the budgetary priorities of the current administration.