Let Them Eat Gold
Taxpayers are now financing President Trump’s love of anything gilded.
In a newly gilded Washington, President Trump has introduced a pair of statues near the Lincoln Memorial that shine with 23.75-karat gold leaf, costing $5.1 million. These 19-foot statues, called The Arts of War, are now a prominent symbol of the city's new gilded age, standing out starkly against the classical and austere Lincoln Memorial.
President Trump, who has previously adorned his properties with gold, is continuing his love for the expensive metal through this latest project. The statues are just one of many gold-infused additions to Washington, following the White House's gaudy renovations and the president's personal vanity projects. His fascination with gold is well-known, from his golden bathrooms and airplane seat-belt buckles to the Trump Gold Card for wealthy foreigners.
The White House Press Secretary and Chief of Staff recently posed for photos with the new statues, while tourists and commuters paused to capture the moment. While the president's obsession with gold may not be a "Let them eat cake" moment, it highlights a disconnect between his spending and the struggles of many Americans.
Written by urgent.news from The Atlantic's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
