A report alleging that the federal government awarded a no-bid contract worth $17.4 million to repair historic fountains near the White House has sparked controversy, with President Donald Trump strongly denying any wrongdoing.
The contract, issued to Clark Construction, involves refurbishing two decades-old fountains in Lafayette Park, which have reportedly been out of service for more than 10 years due to deteriorating infrastructure.
According to earlier estimates conducted in 2022, the project was expected to cost approximately $3.3 million. However, the final contract value approved earlier this year rose significantly, drawing scrutiny from observers and industry experts.
Critics have questioned both the scale of the cost increase and the decision to bypass competitive bidding. The National Park Service reportedly invoked an “urgency” exception — a provision typically reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters or wartime conditions — to award the contract without soliciting multiple bids.
Independent consultant Stephen Kirk, who prepared the earlier estimate, disputed the higher figure. “They just took the cover page of my estimate and just added a bunch of money onto it,” he said. “I didn’t add those extra millions on there."
Reports indicate that part of the cost increase may have resulted from inflation being factored into the estimate more than once.
The Interior Department, which oversees the Park Service, defended the process. “The way this contract was awarded is above board,” a spokesperson said, adding that the urgency was tied to completing the work ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump responded forcefully to the claims, rejecting suggestions that the contract was improperly awarded or inflated.
“Once again, The Failing New York Times has attempted to grossly mischaracterize what should be hailed as the restoration of Beauty and Grandeur to our Nation’s Capital as something else completely,” he said.
The president also emphasized that he was not directly responsible for overseeing the contract and praised the contractor’s work. He described Clark Construction as “highly respected” and said the project was completed under budget and ahead of schedule.
Trump also highlighted the improvements made to the fountains, stating that the renovated site would enhance visitor experience. “Once again, people will come to the front door of the White House by walking through a magnificent Park befitting these Hollowed Grounds, not a dead, dirty, rusting, and very dangerous place like it was before we got involved.”
The project differs from the separate $400 million White House ballroom initiative, which is being funded through private donations. In contrast, the fountain repairs are financed with taxpayer funds, adding to the public scrutiny surrounding the contract.
As debate continues, the project has drawn attention to federal procurement practices and the challenges of balancing urgency, cost control and transparency in government-funded construction work.
Originally reported by Brendan Rascius in Independent.
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