President Donald Trump's administration is aiming to complete renovations on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4.The project, initially estimated at $1.8 million, has now surged to $13.1 million and is being handled by a Virginia-based company previously involved in a golf club pool renovation.The company received a no-bid contract, raising concerns about transparency and safety.

Herbert Zaldivar, director of organizing for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, warned that the expedited timeline may put workers at increased risk due to hazardous chemicals involved in the painting project.

Zaldivar attempted to discuss safety measures directly with workers but encountered reluctance, highlighting concerns about liability and worker protection.

The Interior Department, which oversees the project, defended the effort, asserting adherence to workplace safety regulations and contrasting it with a previous 18-month effort under the Obama administration that failed to repair the pool.

The controversy underscores tensions between accelerated federal construction projects and occupational safety standards, as well as scrutiny over contract procedures and budget increases.