Story perspectives

Interior No-Bid Pool Repair Overruns, Staff Quit Amid NDAs

8/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Interior Department awarded a no-bid contract for Reflecting Pool repairs that ballooned millions over budget.
Secretary Doug Burgum has seen senior staff quit after employees signed NDAs and shredded documents.
Prosecutor Jeanine Pirro said Interior misrepresented damage and moved to dismiss vandalism charges after evidence of shoddy installation.
Karen Budd-Falen, who rejoined Interior in 2025, faced scrutiny for a $3.5 million water-rights deal involving her husband’s ranch.

1 of 1

Story summary

Interior Department awarded a no-bid contract for Reflecting Pool repairs that ballooned millions over budget.
Secretary Doug Burgum has seen senior staff quit after employees signed NDAs and shredded documents.
Prosecutor Jeanine Pirro said Interior misrepresented damage and moved to dismiss vandalism charges after evidence of shoddy installation.
Karen Budd-Falen, who rejoined Interior in 2025, faced scrutiny for a $3.5 million water-rights deal involving her husband’s ranch.