Trump Gave Out a No-Bid Contract to Turn D.C.’s Reflecting Pool Blue
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- President Trump directed a $6.9 million no-bid contract to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue, awarding it to a contractor linked to his personal swimming pools.
- The administration used an exemption intended for urgent situations to bypass competitive bidding, citing the need to complete the project before the country's 250th birthday celebrations on July 4.
- Officials did not publicly claim any serious injury or financial harm that justified the exemption, instead emphasizing a desire for a timely restoration at "Trump speed."
- This contract is part of a broader pattern under the Trump administration of circumventing standard procurement rules to favor preferred vendors and override established review processes in Washington, D.C.
- The renovation reflects Trump's approach to governing Washington as his personal domain, disregarding longstanding regulations designed to ensure transparency and prudent use of government funds.
