Sika USA Rejected $14 Million Trump Pool Renovation as July 4 Deadline Made It Unfeasible
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 26
Sika USA Rejected $14 Million Trump Pool Renovation as July 4 Deadline Made It Unfeasible
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Jun 26
Summary
Sika USA told the Trump administration in March it would not supply products for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool overhaul, concluding the job could not be completed by the demanded July 4 deadline.
The company also warned that repainting the pool “American Flag Blue” would be technically problematic because 2.5 miles of expansion joints limit what submerged materials can be used and could leave metal covers visible.
Rhino Linings won the contract instead, but the renovation has since been hit by green algae and blue paint chips floating to the surface; one coating used is typically meant for water or wastewater facilities, not shallow pools in direct sunlight.
The disclosure adds to scrutiny of the rushed $14 million project tied to America 250 celebrations, with House Oversight Democrat Robert Garcia demanding answers from contractors as Trump blames alleged vandals without evidence.