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. 17, 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. However, the pipe is part of a federally regulated utility, and the Trump administration has been criticized for not participating in cleanup efforts.

Why it matters

The sewage spill into 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 state and federal officials to coordinate an effective response. The political battle between Trump and Moore also highlights 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. While Trump blamed Maryland's governor, the EPA and federal government have jurisdiction over the pipe. DC Water says the repair has been complicated by a large rock dam blocking the collapsed sewer line, requiring additional treatment before the spill can be addressed.

  • The pipe ruptured on January 19, 2026, causing a massive sewage spill.
  • Trump criticized the response in a social media post on February 17, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

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

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, who Trump is blaming for the lagging response, even though the pipe is federally regulated.

DC Water

The federally regulated utility that owns the ruptured Potomac Interceptor pipe.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency with oversight over 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 (cbsnews.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 (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This sewage spill highlights the challenges of aging water infrastructure and the need for better coordination between state and federal officials, regardless of political affiliation, to effectively respond to environmental disasters. The political tensions between Trump and Governor Moore risk distracting from the urgent task of addressing the spill and its impact on the Potomac River.