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Trump Admin Awards $5.1M No-Bid Gold Leaf for Mall Statues

6/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration awarded a $5.1 million no-bid contract to gild four National Mall statues in 23.75-karat gold leaf.
The contract went to Gilders’ Studio, a Maryland firm chosen by the administration.
Officials said the competitive-bidding rule was skipped because of the 250th anniversary.
The 19-foot human and horse figures, deteriorating for decades at two bridge ends, must be finished by July 4 2026.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration awarded a $5.1 million no-bid contract to gild four National Mall statues in 23.75-karat gold leaf.
The contract went to Gilders’ Studio, a Maryland firm chosen by the administration.
Officials said the competitive-bidding rule was skipped because of the 250th anniversary.
The 19-foot human and horse figures, deteriorating for decades at two bridge ends, must be finished by July 4 2026.