Congressional Democrats Demand Probe of $16 Million Reflecting Pool Renovation as No-Bid Contracts Face Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 25
Congressional Democrats Demand Probe of $16 Million Reflecting Pool Renovation as No-Bid Contracts Face Scrutiny
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 25
Summary
Senate and House Democrats on Wednesday pressed for investigations into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool overhaul, saying the $16 million project has become a corruption and incompetence scandal.
Richard Blumenthal said two no-bid contracts — $14.7 million for repainting and waterproofing and $1.7 million for water purification — went to vendors with prior Trump ties and produced algae, peeling coating and possible new repairs.
Donald Trump has blamed the damage on vandalism, saying six people were arrested and the pool may need to be drained again, while Park Police later released grainy surveillance video tied to a destruction-of-government-property investigation.
The dispute has widened from contractor questions raised a day earlier to broader demands for accountability, with Democrats also urging Trump to reimburse taxpayers as the administration races toward a self-imposed July 4 deadline before the nation’s 250th birthday events.