Story perspectives

Trump Grants $17.4M No-Bid Fountain Contract, Exceeds $3.3M Estimate

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump awarded Clark Construction a no-bid $17.4 million contract to repair two fountains in Lafayette Park, invoking an “urgency” exemption.
The exemption is rarely used and reserved for wars or natural disasters.
The 2022 Biden administration estimate for the fountain repairs was $3.3 million, far below the $17.4 million cost approved by Trump.
President Trump has praised Clark Construction and expressed interest in having the firm refurbish additional Washington projects.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump awarded Clark Construction a no-bid $17.4 million contract to repair two fountains in Lafayette Park, invoking an “urgency” exemption.
The exemption is rarely used and reserved for wars or natural disasters.
The 2022 Biden administration estimate for the fountain repairs was $3.3 million, far below the $17.4 million cost approved by Trump.
President Trump has praised Clark Construction and expressed interest in having the firm refurbish additional Washington projects.