Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
DC Statues Restored with Gold in $5 Million Trump Administration Project

DC Statues Restored with Gold in $5 Million Trump Administration Project

The U.S. Interior Department has undertaken a project to regild the 'The Arts of War' and 'The Arts of Peace' equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This initiative, costing over $5 million, is part of ongoing construction projects in the area. The statues, which include 'Valor' and 'Sacrifice,' are located along the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The regilding process involves applying a new gold coating to the statues, which had previously suffered from severe staining due to copper ion degradation. The project is part of a broader effort to restore these historical monuments to their original grandeur.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump's Beautification Projects in D.C. Face Controversy Over Costs and Execution

President Trump's Beautification Projects in D.C. Face Controversy Over Costs and Execution

President Trump has initiated a series of beautification projects in Washington D.C., including the renovation of equestrian statues near the Lincoln Memorial. The National Park Service awarded a $5.1 million contract for the renovation, which was initially estimated to cost $2.4 million. The project is part of a broader plan to prepare for America's 250th birthday celebrations. The statues, originally commissioned in 1929, have been gilded with 23.75-karat gold leaf. This renovation is one of several high-profile projects, including a $600 million presidential ballroom and a $16.4 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, both of which have faced criticism for their high costs.
USA Today USA Today
US drops charges against Olympian in Reflecting Pool damage, citing flawed work

US drops charges against Olympian in Reflecting Pool damage, citing flawed work

Justice officials announced they are dropping charges against a former Olympian after the Trump administration admitted the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damage was caused by flawed work.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Trump Administration Drops Charges Against David Hearn Over Reflecting Pool Incident

Trump Administration Drops Charges Against David Hearn Over Reflecting Pool Incident

The Trump administration has decided to drop criminal charges against former Olympic athlete David Hearn, who was previously accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, appointed by President Trump, acknowledged that the damage to the pool was due to a 'botched installation' rather than vandalism. Initially, Hearn was accused of damaging the pool's liner, a part of a renovation project championed by President Trump. The charges were based on allegations that Hearn had 'forcefully and violently' ripped the newly installed liner. However, new information revealed that the damage was due to flawed installation by the contractor, not vandalism. The rush to complete the project before the Independence Day holiday contributed to the renovation's failure.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Regilded Horse Statues Unveiled in DC as Part of President Trump's Project

Regilded Horse Statues Unveiled in DC as Part of President Trump's Project

The Arts of War and the Arts of Peace statues in Washington, D.C., have been regilded and unveiled as part of a project announced by President Trump. The statues, located near the Lincoln Memorial, were previously marred by severe purple staining due to copper ion degradation from the bronze. The National Park Service initiated renovations on July 2, 2026, with temporary closures in certain park areas to ensure public safety and facilitate construction. The statues now feature a new gold coating, enhancing their visual appeal.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
President Trump Unveils Re-gilded 'Arts of War' Statues Near Lincoln Memorial

President Trump Unveils Re-gilded 'Arts of War' Statues Near Lincoln Memorial

The 'Arts of War' statues near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., have been re-gilded and unveiled by President Trump. Originally designed by Leo Friedlander and unveiled in 1951, these equestrian bronzes have undergone a conservation and regilding process costing $5.1 million. The Department of the Interior commissioned a Maryland studio for the project, which was not completed in time for the U.S. 250th birthday celebration on July 4. The statues, known as Valor and Sacrifice, are now covered in 23.75-karat gold leaf. The project is part of a broader effort to preserve national monuments, with work on the 'Arts of Peace' statues expected to conclude by the end of September.
USA Today USA Today
'Botched installation' or 'vandalism'? Reflecting pool saga rages on

'Botched installation' or 'vandalism'? Reflecting pool saga rages on

The Department of Justice said evidence shows Reflecting Pool damage was due to faulty renovation. President Donald Trump disagrees.
AP News AP News
US uses dormant court to seek deportation of Afghan woman accused of aiding terror plot

US uses dormant court to seek deportation of Afghan woman accused of aiding terror plot

An Afghan woman accused of supporting an Islamic State-inspired attack in the U.S. on Election Day in 2024 is the first person facing deportation through the Trump administration’s use of an obscure court that remained dormant for 30 years
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Right-Wing Militias Gain Visibility Amidst Political Climate

Right-Wing Militias Gain Visibility Amidst Political Climate

A viral photo on Independence Day captured a Black woman on a Metro train in Washington, DC, surrounded by members of Patriot Front, a far-right white nationalist group. This image highlights the increasing visibility and boldness of right-wing militias in the United States. Mary McCord, a Georgetown University law professor and former federal prosecutor, has been actively working to prosecute such groups. She notes that the rise of these militias has been facilitated by a political climate that has been favorable to them since President Trump's early campaign days. McCord's efforts include a successful legal action following the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which resulted in a ban on the rally's lead organizer from planning future paramilitary activities in the city.
USA Today USA Today
Regilded horse statues unveiled in DC in latest Trump project

Regilded horse statues unveiled in DC in latest Trump project

President Donald Trump unveiled the new refurbishments to D.C.'s Arts of War and the Arts of Peace statues this week.
Reuters Reuters
ABC says FCC seeks to intimidate network over news coverage

ABC says FCC seeks to intimidate network over news coverage

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - Walt Disney-owned ABC said on Thursday that the Federal Communications Commission's threat to revoke the network's broadcast licenses is part of an unprecedented campaign of intimidation over broadcast content the Trump administration dislikes.
Trendline Trendline
Trump Administration Plans Major Overhaul of Dulles International Airport

Trump Administration Plans Major Overhaul of Dulles International Airport

Trump Administration Plans Major Overhaul of Dulles International Airport