Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
June 6 , 2026
WASHINGTON — The White House has approved a controversial no-bid contract to apply gold leaf covering to the Statue of Liberty, a decision that has prompted swift reaction from lawmakers, preservationists, and public policy experts.
According to administration officials, the project is intended to “symbolize renewed national prosperity and global leadership,” and is expected to begin later this year, pending environmental and structural reviews. The contract was awarded to The Gilders Group, a private firm specializing in large-scale gilding projects, under an expedited procurement process.
A senior administration official, speaking on background, said the decision to bypass competitive bidding was justified by the “unique technical requirements” of the project and the company’s prior experience with historic monuments. The total cost of the project has not been formally disclosed, though preliminary estimates cited in internal documents suggest it could exceed $2 billion.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated in 1886, is constructed primarily of copper, which has developed its distinctive green patina over time. Preservation experts have raised concerns that applying gold leaf could alter the monument’s structural integrity and obscure its historical character.
“This is not simply a cosmetic change,” said Dr. Elaine Porter, a historian specializing in American landmarks. “The statue’s current appearance reflects over a century of natural aging and carries deep symbolic meaning. Altering it so dramatically raises serious cultural and conservation questions.”
Members of Congress from both parties have called for greater transparency regarding the decision-making process. Senator Mark Caldwell (R-UT) stated that the administration should “fully justify the cost and urgency of this project,” while Representative Ana Ruiz (D-CA) described the move as “an unnecessary and potentially damaging use of federal resources.”
New York officials have expressed mixed reactions. New York City Mayor Mamdani called for public hearings before work begins.
The National Park Service, which oversees the statue, has not yet issued a final determination on whether the project meets federal preservation standards. Environmental assessments and public comment periods are expected in the coming months.
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