Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 22
Interior Awards Trump Donor's Firm $1.7 Million No-Bid Lincoln Pool Contract
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 22

Interior Awards Trump Donor's Firm $1.7 Million No-Bid Lincoln Pool Contract

3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 22

Summary

  • $1.7 million went to Ohio-based Green Water Solutions in April to install a Nano Bubble filtration system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to federal records.
  • The contract skipped full competition under an "unusual and compelling urgency" rule, with officials citing failing filtration, recurring algae and a deadline tied to the July 4, 2026 U.S. 250th anniversary.
  • John J. Cafaro, whose investment trust owns the company, has donated heavily to Trump-linked groups; the White House said it played no role in the selection, and Cafaro said Trump knew nothing about the work.
  • The award comes as the 7-acre pool's overhaul has run into visible problems: algae resurfaced after refilling, crews added hydrogen peroxide, and a separate $14.7 million no-bid sealant job is now under warranty repair after peeling appeared.

Insights

Beyond 'Nano Bubbles,' what overlooked scientific solutions could have prevented the Lincoln Memorial pool's persistent algae problem?
With a donor's tech failing in the Reflecting Pool, what does this reveal about urgent government contracting?