By Matt Underwood It’s quite something when a story comes along that feels plucked straight from a satirical novel, yet it’s presented as straightforward news. The tale of a cigar-puffing crony, whose company managed to snag a million-dollar contract for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, certainly fits that bill. The individual in question, reportedly a neighbor of Donald Trump’s, was handed this significant sum for what turned out to be a rather disastrous refurbishment.
The company at the center of this kerfuffle is none other than “Greenwater Services,” a name that, in hindsight, takes on a darkly comedic resonance given the outcome. The work performed was reportedly so ineffective that algae bloomed, turning the once-pristine pool a rather uninspiring shade of green, and paint began to peel from the bottom. It paints a picture, doesn’t it? A grand monument, a hefty contract, and a result that sounds more like a low-budget DIY project gone wrong.
Adding to the visual narrative is a photograph that has circulated, reportedly showing this businessman sporting a double-breasted burgundy jacket and, yes, a large cigar. This image, apparently captured at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf club, contributes to a certain aesthetic that has drawn considerable comment, with many likening him to a character straight out of a comic book, perhaps a villain with a flair for the dramatic. It’s the kind of detail that, whether intentional or not, adds a layer of almost theatrical absurdity to the situation.
This isn’t the first time this individual has made headlines, though perhaps not for reasons of public service. He was previously photographed exiting a correctional facility after being released on bail, a stark contrast to the image of a man involved in the upkeep of national monuments. This legal entanglement stemmed from a guilty plea related to making a false statement about a campaign contribution to his daughter’s congressional campaign. The details involved illegally concealing a contribution by structuring it as a loan, a clear violation of federal contribution limits.
The consequences of that past transgression were not minor; he received three years of probation, a substantial fine, and was ordered to perform community service. And, as it turns out, this wasn’t his sole encounter with the justice system. Back in 2002, he faced another legal challenge, pleading guilty to conspiracy to bribe a Congressman. This involved enlisting the help of Representative James Traficant Jr. to lobby for government contracts for a struggling business.
Interestingly, this individual has also been a significant donor to political causes, particularly those supporting Donald Trump. In 2016, he contributed a considerable sum to an event hosted by Trump during a Republican debate boycott, an act that earned him effusive praise from Trump himself, who described him as a “fantastic man” who had “made a lot of money.” Later, his wife hosted a high-profile charity event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, further cementing a connection that seems to have been mutually beneficial, at least in terms of access and perceived endorsement.
The sheer confluence of events – the no-bid contract, the subsequent failure of the work, the individual’s past legal issues, and his known association with Trump – has certainly sparked a robust discussion. It’s the kind of scenario that makes one question the vetting process for such significant public contracts. The visual of a cigar-chomping businessman, whose company delivered shoddy work on a national landmark, while simultaneously having a history of legal troubles and close ties to a former president, is a potent mix that has clearly resonated with many. It’s a story that, for better or worse, invites scrutiny and raises questions about the intersection of political connections, business dealings, and the stewardship of public spaces.