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Trump awards no-bid Reflecting Pool contract to firm with personal ties

May 10, 2026

Summary

President Trump is overseeing an overhaul of D.C. landmarks, including a plan to paint the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue. This project has drawn criticism after a $6.9 million no-bid contract was reportedly awarded to a firm with ties to Trump's personal pool work.

How coverage differs

Left outlets highlight potential cronyism and lack of transparency in Trump's no-bid contract due to personal ties, while right outlets factually report the award and firm's prior work.

  • Left: Cronyism alleged as Trump awards no-bid contract for D.C. landmark Left-leaning outlets highlight the questionable nature of the $6.9 million no-bid contract awarded by President Trump's administration for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. They emphasize the firm's personal ties to Trump's private pool work, suggesting potential cronyism and a lack of transparency in public spending.
  • Right: President Trump's administration awarded a no-bid contract for the Reflecting Pool Right-leaning outlets focus on the reported details of the contract, noting the firm's previous work on President Trump's personal pool. They present the story as a factual report about the contract award for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, without strong editorializing on the 'no-bid' aspect.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • No-bid contract to turn DC’s reflecting pool blue goes to firm with ties to Trump

Right

  • Trump reportedly awards no-bid contract to man who worked on his personal pool

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