Trump Highlights Near-Complete Regilding of “Valor” Statue at Arlington Memorial Bridge

The Department of the Interior is restoring one of the iconic Arts of War statues flanking the approach to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

WHITE HOUSE — Donald J.Trump posted on Truth Social on June 18, 2026 at 2:17 AM EST, posted on Truth Social on June 18, 2026, announcing that the statue “Valor,” one of the Arts of War sculptures at the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., has been almost completely regilded by the Department of the Interior. The post was accompanied by four photographs showing the freshly gilded equestrian statue still enclosed in scaffolding at the restoration worksite. The “Valor” statue is one of two monumental equestrian sculptures known as the Arts of War, which flank the eastern approach to the Arlington Memorial Bridge near the Lincoln Memorial. The gilded bronze works, created by sculptor Leo Friedlander and installed in 1951, depict allegorical figures representing the values of sacrifice and valor in wartime. Over decades of exposure to the elements, the original gold leaf on the statues had deteriorated significantly, leaving the surfaces darkened and weathered. Photographs shared with the post show the statue gleaming with a bright, uniform gold finish, consistent with freshly applied gold leaf. The sculpture — depicting a bearded male figure on horseback — remains surrounded by extensive metal scaffolding, wooden planking, and white protective sheeting. A sign visible on the scaffolding reads “Please look but don’t touch. Thank you,” indicating the restoration site is accessible to public view. Scaffolding components bear markings confirming compliance with OSHA safety standards. The regilding effort is part of a broader pattern of attention Trump has directed toward aesthetic and restoration projects involving federal landmarks and properties. Over the past 30 days, 32 of Trump’s 666 Truth Social posts have addressed the topic of personal projects and image, with 25 of those specifically focused on subjects such as the White House ballroom and Potomac arch renovations. The restoration of the Arts of War statues represents a visible commitment by the Department of the Interior to preserving prominent public monuments in the nation’s capital, ensuring that historically significant works of art remain in presentable condition for the millions of visitors who pass through the National Mall area each year.