Trump Denies Knowing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Contractor, Says 'Interior' Handled $13.1 Million No-Bid Deal
Yahoo • • nation
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump denied personally selecting the contractor for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, stating the Interior Department awarded the $13.1 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings.
- Trump previously suggested he had spoken with someone about the project but later clarified he does not know the contractor and has never used the company before.
- The renovation has faced criticism due to its no-bid nature, rising costs from an initial $1.8 million estimate to $13.1 million, and Trump's plan to paint the pool in "American flag blue."
- Trump defended the project, calling the pool an embarrassment and arguing that his approach would be faster and more cost-effective than previous attempts by the Obama and Biden administrations, which he said spent over $100 million on failed repairs.