Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Defends Contract for Reflecting Pool Repairs

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed that the government will continue to use Atlantic Industrial Coatings for repairs on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The same company received a multimillion-dollar, no-bid contract for painting the pool originally. In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Burgum praised the company for doing “extremely well” despite chunks of paint loosening due to vandalism.

Burgum stated, “We will use the same company because they did a fantastic job.” The paint, described as “American flag blue,” became loose, prompting the need for repairs.

The administration faced criticism for awarding Atlantic Industrial Coatings a $13.1 million no-bid contract, which exceeded the initial cost estimate of $1.5 million to $2 million. The owner, Eddie Wood, indicated the price increased to $14.6 million due to extra work requested by the National Park Service.

The pool experienced issues such as peeling paint and algae, further complicating its condition. To address the algae, an additional $1.7 million contract was given to Green Water Solutions, a company associated with a Trump donor.

Pieces of paint came loose, and algae turned the water bright green.

Donald Trump suggested vandalism caused the paint damage, although no evidence was provided. Following this claim, several arrests were made. U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn faced indictment for alleged property damage exceeding $1,000. Hearn denied involvement and stated he merely touched detached coating out of curiosity during a bike ride. He reported being detained for five hours.

Burgum addressed Hearn’s situation, saying, “Hearn can say what he wants, but the courts will determine his fault.” He highlighted that past roles do not exempt individuals from current legal requirements.