Reflecting Pool Repairs Skyrocket to $13.1 Million, Far Exceeding Trump’s $1.8 Million Promise
President Trump selected a contractor based on their work at his golf club to repair and paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue for $1.8 million. However, the Interior Department significantly increased the no-bid contract to $13.1 million, citing urgency for America 250. This expanded contract’s cost matches a prior offer from the company, which included a 20% profit margin, raising questions about adherence to competitive bidding laws. Concerns have also been raised by a nonprofit, which filed a lawsuit alleging the administration bypassed laws requiring scrutiny of alterations to historic landmarks, thereby fundamentally changing the pool’s historic character.
John Q. Hosedrinker