Trump Orders Federal Intervention to Address Massive Potomac River Sewage Spill

Over 243 million gallons of raw sewage have poured into the river due to a ruptured pipe, prompting the former president to criticize local leaders' handling of the crisis.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump has ordered federal authorities to intervene and coordinate the cleanup efforts after a six-foot-diameter sewer pipe in Cabin John, Maryland, burst open, unleashing approximately 243 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River. Trump criticized local leaders, particularly Maryland Governor Wes Moore, for their 'Gross Mismanagement' of the situation and said the federal government must step in since 'Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity'.

Why it matters

The massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, which supplies drinking water to the Washington, D.C. region, has raised significant environmental and public health concerns. Trump's decision to intervene highlights the political tensions surrounding the handling of the crisis, as he faults local Democratic leadership for the disaster.

The details

The pipe rupture occurred on January 19th, and as of February 6th, approximately 243 million gallons of raw sewage had overflowed from the collapse site. Experts have dubbed this one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history. While local officials have insisted the sewage spill has not impacted the safety of drinking water, they have warned residents to avoid the Potomac River and any recreational activities. The section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line that was affected was allocated $600 million for upgrades, but officials estimate it could take 10 months to fully repair the damaged portion.

  • The pipe rupture occurred on January 19, 2026.
  • As of February 6, 2026, approximately 243 million gallons of raw sewage had overflowed from the collapse site.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has ordered federal authorities to intervene and coordinate the cleanup efforts for the Potomac River sewage spill.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland, whom Trump criticized for the 'Gross Mismanagement' of the crisis by local leaders.

DC Water

The utility company that owns the six-foot-diameter sewer pipe that burst, leading to the massive sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly Governor Wes Moore of Maryland.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity. Therefore, I am directing Federal Authorities to immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation's Capital City.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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