Trump Awards $6.9 M No‑Bid Contract to Virginian Firm for Lincoln Pool Renovation

Context President Trump has pledged to make the reflecting pool “beautiful, beautiful…much better than it ever was.” The pool, built in 1922, loses roughly 16 million gallons of water each year through leaks and frequently turns green with algae because it lacks a natural flow and has an inadequate filtration system. Past administrations spent over $35 million trying to control algae, while the current administration opts to drain and refill the pool annually.

Key Facts - On April 3, the White House used a federal exemption to award a $6.9 million contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings of New Canton, Virginia. The firm’s records show no previous federal contracts. - The company previously renovated a swimming pool at Trump’s Virginia golf club, but has no documented experience with historic federal sites. - The reflecting pool holds about 6.75 million gallons; the annual 16 million‑gallon loss must be replaced by taxpayers. - Trump announced the plan with promises of a “turquoise‑like Bahamas” hue, later settling on an “American‑flag blue” finish suggested by the contractor. - Critics, including environmental groups, argue the project bypasses competition and may not address the underlying filtration problem.

What It Means The contract illustrates the administration’s willingness to sidestep standard bidding rules for speed, raising questions about oversight and cost‑effectiveness. If the blue coating fails to stop algae growth, the $6.9 million spend could prove ineffective, leaving taxpayers to fund ongoing water loss. Watch for an inspection report on the pool’s filtration system and any congressional response to the contract’s exemption.