Kelly Dodd Clarifies Relationship with John J. Cafaro Amid Reflecting Pool Controversy

Kelly Dodd, a former star of 'The Real Housewives of Orange County,' has addressed her connection to John J. Cafaro, a Trump donor involved in a controversial project at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Kelly Dodd, known for her role on "The Real Housewives of Orange County," has clarified her connection to John J. Cafaro, a contractor involved in a controversial project at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Dodd insists that her relationship with Cafaro is nonexistent and solely based on a single photograph taken at an event.

In a statement to TMZ, Dodd explained that her encounter with Cafaro occurred in December 2025 at Trump National Golf Club in Florida. She recounted that she was attending an event alongside her husband, Rick Leventhal, as well as with executives from Newsmax, former President Donald Trump, and Rudy Giuliani, when she spotted Cafaro. Dodd described her motivation for taking a photograph with him as stemming from his striking appearance, which she likened to a villain from a movie.

The photo in question has recently resurfaced due to Cafaro's association with a $1.7 million no-bid contract related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project, which has faced scrutiny after algae was discovered in the newly renovated pool. This situation has raised concerns regarding the project's management and the quality of the work performed.

Dodd stated that she had no prior knowledge of Cafaro's identity, background, or business dealings at the time they took the picture. She mentioned that she only learned about Cafaro's background when TMZ reached out to her for comment regarding their supposed connection. To her, the story behind the photograph is straightforward; it was merely a snapshot with someone she found visually memorable, with no deeper implications.