Kelly Dodd Denies Connection to Trump Donor John J. Cafaro

Kelly Dodd, a former “Real Housewives of Orange County” star, told TMZ she has no personal relationship with Trump donor John J. Cafaro. Despite a December 2025 photo of the pair at Trump National Golf Club in Florida, Dodd claims she only requested the picture because Cafaro’s appearance reminded her of a movie villain.

Dodd was attending an event with her husband, Rick Leventhal, alongside Newsmax executives, President Donald Trump, and Rudy Giuliani. According to Dodd, she spotted Cafaro and asked for a photo because he looked “funny” and unusual.

She described his look as something straight out of “central casting” for a villain, noting his red blazer and a large cigar. Dodd told TMZ she didn’t know Cafaro’s name, background, or business dealings at the time the photo was taken.

Why did Kelly Dodd take a photo with John J. Cafaro?

Dodd says the encounter was based entirely on Cafaro’s visual aesthetic. She compared his appearance to Ron Burgundy, specifically citing the red blazer and cigar as the reasons she found him memorable.

According to Dodd, she remained unaware of Cafaro’s identity until TMZ contacted her on Monday. She maintains that the connection between them starts and ends with that single snapshot.

Did You Know? John J. Cafaro is a longtime Trump donor who secured a $1.7M no-bid contract for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project.

What is the controversy surrounding John J. Cafaro?

Cafaro is currently facing scrutiny over the $1.7M no-bid contract tied to the renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The project has come under investigation after algae appeared in the newly renovated water.

Kelly Dodd's Drunken Trump Dump | TMZ TV

This development has prompted officials to continue testing the water and has raised questions regarding the overhaul process. The timing of these reports has brought fresh attention to the photo of Dodd and Cafaro.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that no-bid contracts often invite higher levels of public and regulatory scrutiny, especially when visible failures—like algae in a national monument’s pool—occur shortly after completion. The stakes involve both taxpayer funds and the preservation of high-profile federal landmarks.

What may happen next for the project?

Officials may continue water testing to determine the cause of the algae growth. This process could lead to further questions about the quality of the renovation work performed under the no-bid contract.

Depending on the test results, there is a possibility that the project’s oversight could be reviewed. Further scrutiny of the contract’s awarding process may also occur as the situation develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John J. Cafaro?
He is a longtime Trump donor and the contractor responsible for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project.

When and where was the photo of Kelly Dodd and John J. Cafaro taken?
The photo was taken in December 2025 at the Trump National Golf Club in Florida.

Why is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool under investigation?
The project is under scrutiny due to a $1.7M no-bid contract and the appearance of algae in the pool following its renovation.

Do you think the appearance of a contractor should be a reason to take a photo, or does the business background always matter more?