Trump donor's firm awarded $1.7 M no‑bid contract for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The U.S. Department of the Interior granted a $1.7 million no‑bid contract to Green Water Solutions, an Ohio‑based company owned by John J. Cafaro, a major donor to former President Donald Trump. The contract calls for installing a “nano‑bubble” filtration system to address longstanding algae blooms and deteriorating infrastructure in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. Federal records list the award under the “unusual and compelling urgency” rule, noting the technology’s limited domestic supply. Cafaro has contributed roughly $250,000 to Trump‑aligned fundraising efforts and previously faced campaign‑finance convictions. The White House denied any involvement in the selection process, stating the award was solely the Interior Department’s decision. The agreement follows a prior $1 million feasibility study for the Tijuana River sewage treatment project and work performed at a Trump Organization golf club pond.