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

President criticizes governor's handling of cleanup efforts, but federal agencies have jurisdiction over the ruptured pipe.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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President Donald Trump lashed out at Maryland Governor Wes Moore over the response to a January pipe rupture that sent sewage flowing into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Trump blamed Moore for the "Ecological Disaster" despite the fact that the pipe is part of a federally regulated utility under the oversight of the EPA. The White House claimed Maryland was slow to coordinate with federal entities, while Moore's spokesman said the Trump administration has "shirked its responsibility" on the repair and cleanup.

Why it matters

The sewage spill in the Potomac River, one of the largest in U.S. history, has raised concerns about the region's aging water infrastructure and the ability of federal, state, and local authorities to respond effectively to environmental emergencies. The political dispute between Trump and Moore also highlights the ongoing tensions between the former president and Democratic state leaders.

The details

The 1960s-era Potomac Interceptor pipe that ruptured is part of DC Water, a federally regulated utility based in Washington, D.C. The pipe collapse led to millions of gallons of wastewater spilling into the river. Fixing the pipe has been complicated, with a video inspection revealing a large rock dam blocking the sewer line. DC Water says the emergency repair is expected to take another 4-6 weeks.

  • The pipe ruptured on January 19, 2026.
  • A video inspection of the pipeline was conducted earlier this month.

The players

Donald Trump

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

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, who Trump has blamed for the "Ecological Disaster" despite the federal jurisdiction over the ruptured pipe.

DC Water

The federally regulated utility based in Washington, D.C. that owns the Potomac Interceptor pipe that ruptured.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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

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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, DC Water (wbal.com)

“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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The emergency repair work on the ruptured Potomac Interceptor pipe is expected to take another 4-6 weeks to complete.

The takeaway

This sewage spill highlights the ongoing challenges of aging water infrastructure in the region and the need for better coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to respond effectively to environmental emergencies. The political dispute between Trump and Governor Moore also underscores the partisan divides that can complicate disaster response efforts.