President Donald Trump responded to a report about a no-bid contract given to Clark Construction, the firm currently building his new White House ballroom. The report claimed the administration gave the company a contract at a price much higher than the government’s original estimate.
The New York Times revealed that documents from January show that the National Park Service wanted to repair two ornamental fountains in Lafayette Park. The Biden administration had estimated the repair work would cost $3.3 million back in 2022, but the government later agreed to pay Clark Construction $11.9 million for the same project.
Additional tasks were added later, which pushed the total contract value up to $17.4 million. The contract was awarded without going through a competitive bidding process, which is what drew attention and criticism from reporters.
Trump defends the Lafayette Park project as a long-overdue improvement to a neglected landmark
According to Mediaite, Trump took to Truth Social to push back against the report, saying it tried to “grossly mischaracterize” the project. He argued the work should be seen as a good thing for a park he described as having been left in bad shape after decades of neglect.
Trump also said he and other unnamed donors contributed millions of dollars toward the effort. He has been particularly active on Truth Social lately, including a post where he used inflammatory language and religious references on Easter morning that drew widespread reaction.
Trump denied having any role in how the contract was awarded. He called Clark Construction a “greatly respected firm” and stressed how important the park renovations were. He framed the project as restoring dignity to the grounds in front of the White House.
The president stated, “Once again, people will come to the front door of the White House by walking through a magnificent Park befitting these Hollowed Grounds, not a dead, dirty, rusting, and very dangerous place like it was before we got involved.” He also mentioned his efforts on crime reduction in Washington, D.C.
Trump also expressed frustration over how the media covered the deal. He insisted that the press should be praising his administration for the project instead of making it look suspicious. Meanwhile, Trump also made headlines ongoing nuclear talks with Iran, with Iran’s top negotiator describing the discussions as a “table of surrender” and Trump saying he wants no extension to the ceasefire.
He ended his statement by saying, “The New York Times should congratulate us, instead of trying to make us look bad. We look forward to continuing to MAKE WASHINGTON, D.C. GREAT AGAIN, and want to thank Clark Construction, the Department of Interior, and the National Parks Service on A JOB WELL DONE!”
The original report that prompted Trump’s response was written by journalists David A. Fahrenthold, Luke Broadwater, and Andrea Fuller. It highlighted that the administration quietly handed Clark Construction a no-bid contract for the additional work at a sharply higher price than what the government had originally planned to spend.
Published: Apr 26, 2026 11:45 am