Pirro Blames $14 Million Reflecting Pool Damage on Flawed Installation, Not Vandalism
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Aug 7
Pirro Blames $14 Million Reflecting Pool Damage on Flawed Installation, Not Vandalism
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Aug 7
Summary
Jeanine Pirro concluded last week that peeling damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool came from a botched contractor installation, prompting prosecutors to drop vandalism cases tied to the site.
The New York Times reported the $14 million renovation was rushed for July 4 under an off-the-books role played by David Schutzenhofer, manager of Trump’s Bedminster golf club, who lacked engineering or architecture training.
No-bid contracts went to Creative Polymers, Rhino Linings, Atlantic Industrial Coatings and Greenwater Services, with Interior approving a 20% profit margin and bypassing preservation reviews while citing the deadline.
Trump had publicly blamed vandals and said he picked trusted pool contractors, but the report says the blue liner began peeling soon after June completion, algae returned, and even tariff-driven material shortages complicated the job.
The episode broadens scrutiny of how the administration handled a high-profile federal monument project, with Pirro’s finding directly undercutting a vandalism narrative still defended by Trump and some Interior officials.