The Trump administration announced it will continue using the same contractor to complete repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool rather than opening the work to new bids, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Sunday. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the project, which has faced challenges including vandalism and questions over the use of taxpayer funds.
Mr. Burgum, appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, asserted that vandals were responsible for damage to the century-old pool, which is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. He described multiple cuts to the pool’s liner that collectively measure about 350 feet, a figure also cited by President Donald Trump. The Secretary noted the pool would need to be partially drained in the coming week to complete repairs and praised the current contractor’s work. "We’ll use the same company, because they did a fantastic job," Mr. Burgum said, adding that the vandalism, while significant, could cost tens of thousands of dollars and potentially amount to felony damage to government property.
The repair work followed President Trump’s spring commitment to enhance the Reflecting Pool ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4. The water was drained and the pool floor was painted a shade dubbed “American flag blue” by the President. However, after refilling, the pool experienced an algae bloom lasting over a week, and parts of the new coating started to peel. The pool remained closed for Independence Day festivities due to safety concerns related to nearby fireworks, Mr. Burgum explained.
The dispute over the Reflecting Pool has intensified amid a broader controversy surrounding President Trump’s efforts to renovate Washington landmarks during the latter part of his administration. Federal authorities have arrested more than half a dozen individuals in connection with damage at the site. Among them is former Olympic athlete David Hearn, who was indicted last week on felony charges for allegedly tearing up newly applied sealant on the pool. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro accused Mr. Hearn of deliberately causing more than US$1,000 in damage, describing his actions as forceful and aggressive toward a government employee who intervened.
Mr. Hearn’s legal team—which includes Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann, founders of the Democracy Defenders Fund—called the charges “outrageous” and warned of potential government overreach, characterizing the case as based on “a concocted narrative.” Secretary Burgum did not directly address whether photographic evidence existed to support claims of vandalism during the interview.
Compounding concerns are reports that contracts for the Reflecting Pool’s repairs were awarded without competitive bids to companies with prior ties to President Trump. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a US$1.7 million contract for installing a water-purification system, while Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings was granted US$14.7 million to repaint and waterproof the pool’s floor. The contracting process has drawn the attention of approximately 10 Democratic senators and House members, who are actively investigating the project’s management and spending.