Scrutiny Over Algae Control Contract at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
John J. Cafaro, a businessman and significant donor to former President Donald Trump, faces scrutiny over alleged ties to a company tasked with installing a water purification system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This renovation project, the latest transformation of a Washington, D.C. landmark during Trump’s administration, has faced criticism as algae spread across the pool’s surface.
Federal contract records revealed that Greenwater Services, based in Brookfield, Ohio, received a $1.7 million contract to implement a ‘nano bubble’ device aimed at eliminating algae. This company is owned by J.J. Cafaro Investment Trust, led by Cafaro.
Records from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) indicate that Cafaro has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump over the years, including a $250,000 donation in 2020 and another $100,000 in 2024, according to information gathered by Newsweek.
Katie Martin, spokeswoman for the Department of the Interior, informed The New York Times that Greenwater Services was selected due to its expertise, workforce, and materials, while clarifying that the White House was not involved in the selection process. Newsweek attempted to contact Greenwater Services for comment via email.
Who Is John J. Cafaro?
According to Cafaro’s LinkedIn profile, he is an experienced Ohio retail and manufacturing executive responsible for major development projects like the South Hill Mall and Meadowbrook Mall. His portfolio also includes assets in Florida and West Virginia. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to bribing former Congressman James Traficant Jr., and in 2020, he faced charges related to a campaign finance crime.
Contract Under Scrutiny
The contract has raised concerns from prominent political figures. Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, expressed disbelief on social media.
Moe Davis, a former U.S. Air Force colonel and congressional candidate, remarked, ‘This is Trump donor and Mar-a-Lago neighbor John Cafaro who got the no-bid contract to install a water purification system for the reflecting pool. He has 2 prior convictions, one for bribing a member of Congress and another for an illegal loan that violated campaign finance.’
This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as details emerge.