Trump Criticizes Maryland Governor Over Potomac River Sewage Spill

The president blames Governor Wes Moore for the response to the pipe rupture, even though the issue is under federal jurisdiction.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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President Donald Trump has lashed out at Maryland Governor Wes Moore over the response to a January pipe rupture that sent sewage flowing into the Potomac River. Trump claims the governor's 'incompetent leadership' has turned the river into a 'disaster zone', and has ordered federal authorities to step in. However, the pipe that ruptured is part of a federally regulated utility, and the Trump administration has been accused of 'shirking its responsibility' on the repair and cleanup.

Why it matters

The Potomac River sewage spill is a major environmental issue that has drawn national attention. Trump's criticism of Governor Moore raises questions about the roles and responsibilities of federal and state governments in responding to such incidents, particularly when they cross jurisdictional boundaries.

The details

The pipe that ruptured, called the Potomac Interceptor, is part of DC Water, a utility based in Washington that is federally regulated and under the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Despite this, Trump has blamed Governor Moore and the state of Maryland for the response, even though they do not have direct jurisdiction over the pipe. The White House claims Maryland has been slow to coordinate with federal entities, while the governor's office says the Trump administration has been 'shirking its responsibility' on the repair and cleanup.

  • The pipe ruptured on January 19, 2026, leading to millions of gallons of wastewater spilling into the Potomac River.
  • Trump made his comments criticizing Governor Moore on February 17, 2026, while spending the holiday weekend at his home in Florida.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is now back in the White House and has been critical of Governor Moore's response to the Potomac River sewage spill.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, who has been accused by Trump of 'incompetent leadership' in responding to the sewage spill, even though the pipe that ruptured is under federal jurisdiction.

DC Water

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

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that oversees and regulates DC Water, the utility responsible for the pipe that ruptured and caused the sewage spill.

Ammar Moussa

A spokesman for Governor Wes Moore, who has criticized the Trump administration for 'shirking its responsibility' on the repair and cleanup of the sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“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 (PBS.org)

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

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

What’s next

The emergency repair to the damaged section of the pipe and address other issues is expected to take another four to six weeks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DC Water will continue to coordinate on the cleanup and restoration efforts.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex jurisdictional issues that can arise in responding to environmental disasters, particularly when they involve infrastructure that crosses state and federal boundaries. It also underscores the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic state and local leaders.