Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore Battle Over Potomac River Sewage Spill Response

President Trump criticizes Governor Moore's handling of the sewage spill, despite federal jurisdiction over the pipe.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump lashed out at Maryland Governor Wes Moore over what he says is a lagging response to a January pipe rupture that sent sewage flowing into the Potomac River northwest of Washington. However, the pipe that caused the spill is part of a federally regulated utility, and the Trump administration has been criticized for not participating in the cleanup efforts.

Why it matters

The sewage spill in the Potomac River is a significant environmental disaster that has raised concerns about water safety and the need for infrastructure repairs. The political battle between Trump and Governor Moore highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and state leadership, as well as the challenges of coordinating a response to a complex environmental crisis.

The details

The 1960s-era pipe, called the Potomac Interceptor, is part of DC Water, a utility based in Washington that's federally regulated and under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Despite this, Trump blamed Governor Moore and the 'incompetent Local "Leadership"' for the spill, even though the District of Columbia-based water authority and the federal government have jurisdiction over the busted pipe. The spill was caused by a 72-inch diameter sewer pipe that collapsed last month, leading to millions of gallons of wastewater shooting out of the ground and into the river.

  • The pipe rupture occurred in January 2026.
  • The emergency repair is expected to take another four to six weeks.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is currently criticizing the response to the sewage spill.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, who has been targeted by Trump for his handling of the spill despite the federal jurisdiction over the pipe.

DC Water

The utility based in Washington, D.C. that owns and operates the Potomac Interceptor pipe that caused the sewage spill.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that oversees the DC Water utility and the Potomac Interceptor pipe.

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency that Trump says will play a key role in coordinating the response to the sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“We have been coordinating with U.S. EPA since the Potomac Interceptor collapsed.”

— David L. Gadis, CEO and General Manager of DC Water (DC Water)

“The President has his facts wrong — again. Apparently the Trump administration hadn't gotten the memo that they're actually supposed to be in charge here.”

— Ammar Moussa, Spokesman for Governor Wes Moore (krqe.com)

What’s next

The emergency repair to the damaged section of the pipe and address several other issues, including environmental restoration, is expected to take another four to six weeks.

The takeaway

This sewage spill highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state leadership, as well as the challenges of coordinating a response to a complex environmental crisis. It underscores the need for investment in aging infrastructure and better coordination between different levels of government to effectively address such disasters.