Scrutiny on John J. Cafaro Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Contract

John J. Cafaro, a businessman known for significant donations to President Donald Trump, is facing criticism due to alleged connections with the firm appointed to install a water purification system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This historic site, which underwent renovation during Trump’s administration, has seen a resurgence of algae blooms.

According to federal contract records, a $1.7 million contract was awarded to Greenwater Services, based in Brookfield, Ohio, for the installation of a ‘nano bubble’ device to address the algae issue. The New York Times reported that J.J. Cafaro Investment Trust, headed by Cafaro, owns Greenwater Services.

Cafaro has been a substantial donor to Trump, contributing hundreds of thousands, including a $250,000 donation in 2020 and $100,000 in 2024, as verified by Federal Election Commission records reviewed by Newsweek. Katie Martin, a spokeswoman for the Department of the Interior, stated to the Times that the firm was selected for its expertise, workforce, and materials, with no White House involvement.

Who Is John J. Cafaro?

Cafaro’s LinkedIn profile presents him as a seasoned Ohio retail and manufacturing executive with a history of leading major projects like the South Hill Mall and Meadowbrook Mall. He manages assets in Florida and West Virginia as well.

In 2021, Cafaro admitted to bribing former Congressman James Traficant Jr., an Ohio Democrat, and was anticipated to testify against him, as the Times reported. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to a campaign finance violation, according to Cleveland.com.

Contract Comes Under Scrutiny

The contract has attracted criticism from notable Democrats. Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden, expressed disbelief on social media.

“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,” wrote Moe Davis, a former U.S. Air Force colonel and congressional candidate, on social media.

This is an ongoing story with developments expected soon.