Multiple outlets report that the Trump administration uses a no-bid federal contract worth up to $500 million to build a White House ballroom, according to a Washington Post investigation. The reporting says the White House routes the contract through an office connected to the Executive Residence rather than through channels that normally require competitive bidding. The Executive Residence is described as exempt from standard competitive procurement rules. The White House justification, as described by the outlets, is that the work falls within categories the president can fund under federal law, including care, maintenance, repair, alteration, refurnishing, and related improvements for White House grounds.
The outlets also report that President Trump is involved in at least some aspects of cost negotiations, citing the Washington Post’s account of his participation. One outlet says records show the president personally chose who received the contract. Another outlet notes the administration cites national security as a reason for skipping typical disclosure and bidding. Separately, one report states that a federal judge rejected the administration’s legal argument earlier this year, while the contract itself is still not described as resolved as a legal matter in the coverage.
