Businessman John J. Cafaro is facing scrutiny over alleged connections to the installation of a water purification system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This project, initiated during President Donald Trump’s administration, has been criticized following algae blooms that turned the water green.

The federal contract records reveal a $1.7 million contract awarded to Greenwater Services, based in Brookfield, Ohio, to implement a ‘nano bubble’ solution to combat the algae. According to The New York Times, J.J. Cafaro Investment Trust, led by Cafaro, owns the business. Cafaro has a history of significant donations to Trump, including $250,000 in 2020 and $100,000 in 2024, as per Federal Election Commission data.

Katie Martin, representing the Department of the Interior, stated to the Times that Greenwater Services was chosen due to their expertise, workforce, and materials, asserting that the White House had no involvement. Newsweek made efforts to contact Greenwater Services for comments by email.

Who Is John J. Cafaro?

Cafaro’s LinkedIn profile outlines his experience as a long-time executive in Ohio’s retail and manufacturing industries. He has led major projects like South Hill Mall and Meadowbrook Mall, as well as managed properties in Florida and West Virginia. In 2021, Cafaro admitted to bribing former Ohio Congressman James Traficant Jr. He also pled guilty to a campaign finance crime in 2020, according to Cleveland.com.

Contract Comes Under Scrutiny

The contract attracted criticism from notable Democrats on Friday. Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, expressed disbelief, while Moe Davis, a former Air Force colonel and congressional candidate, highlighted Cafaro’s two prior convictions on social media. Davis emphasized Cafaro’s history with a bribery case involving a Congress member and a campaign finance violation.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information emerges.