Donald Trump has launched a 400-word tirade on Truth Social against The New York Times after records showed his administration paid more than $13.1 million to renovate the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The president claimed the project could be done for $1.5 million, but federal spending data reveals two no-bid contracts awarded to Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC, totalling $13 million.
The first contract, worth nearly $7 million, was awarded last month, with a further $6.2 million added last week. The administration bypassed competitive bidding, citing urgency to avoid 'serious injury' to the government. Trump initially said he did not know the contractor, despite previously boasting of a 'guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools up the road'.
In his post, Trump accused the newspaper of trying to justify previous administrations' spending, claiming he saved taxpayers money. He also shared an AI-generated image of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi in a sewage-filled pool. The Department of Interior defended the spending, saying the National Park Service chose the best company to expedite repairs before the July 4 celebrations.
The project includes repainting the pool floor 'American flag blue' and installing a filtration system. Trump told reporters the work could be done in a week for about $1.5 million, but federal documents show completion is expected by May 22. The reflecting pool underwent a $38 million renovation under the Obama administration between 2010 and 2012.
