Story perspectives

Lincoln Memorial Horses Gold-Leafed for $5 M Amid Procurement Concerns

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The administration is spending $5 million to gold-leaf the Lincoln Memorial’s four bronze horses after the National Park Service awarded a SAM.gov contract to a Maryland gilding studio without market research.
Interior Department officials said the studio was the only capable source, though gilding experts identified other qualified firms that were not contacted.
The project is part of a D.C. beautification effort totaling at least $95 million, plus $20 million in unreported contracts.

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Story summary

The administration is spending $5 million to gold-leaf the Lincoln Memorial’s four bronze horses after the National Park Service awarded a SAM.gov contract to a Maryland gilding studio without market research.
Interior Department officials said the studio was the only capable source, though gilding experts identified other qualified firms that were not contacted.
The project is part of a D.C. beautification effort totaling at least $95 million, plus $20 million in unreported contracts.