Trump Picks Project 2025 Co-Author for Role That Would Oversee Any Reflecting Pool Review

Key Points:

• President Trump has nominated Dennis Kirk, co-author of the right-wing Project 2025 roadmap, as inspector general for the Interior Department, a role that would oversee reviews of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation.
• Kirk's nomination, subject to Senate approval, has drawn criticism from Democrats and former inspector general Mark Greenblatt, who expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for independent oversight.
• The Reflecting Pool renovation faced significant issues earlier this year, including peeling blue lining and algae blooms, with the Justice Department dismissing vandalism charges and citing installation failures instead.
• The Interior Department, under Secretary Doug Burgum, approved no-bid contracts for the renovation to meet tight deadlines, prompting calls from Democrats for an inspector general investigation into the process.
• The White House defended Kirk's nomination, emphasizing his government experience and loyalty to the rule of law, while critics view the appointment as an attempt to place administration supporters in watchdog positions.