A company linked to a major Trump donor received a no-bid contract to clean the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool, raising questions about favoritism in federal contracting.
The business, Greenwater Services, is owned by a trust led by John J. Cafaro, a prominent supporter of the president. A White House spokeswoman stated that Trump was not involved in the selection process.
The no-bid contract bypassed standard competitive bidding procedures. Federal rules allow such contracts only under specific, limited circumstances, such as emergencies.
The reflecting pool cleanup project was valued at $10.8 million. Critics argue the arrangement raises concerns about transparency and the use of taxpayer dollars.
Greenwater Services has limited experience with large-scale federal projects, according to public records. The company’s connection to a political ally has drawn scrutiny from watchdog groups.
The White House declined to comment further on the contract details. The General Services Administration, which awarded the contract, has not released a full explanation for the no-bid decision.
Lawmakers from both parties have requested more information about the contracting process. The controversy adds to ongoing debates about ethics in government procurement.
