Trump Blasts Maryland Governor Over Massive Potomac Sewage Spill

Federal authorities ordered to coordinate response as 240 million gallons contaminate river near D.C.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump has ordered a federal response to the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., slamming Maryland Governor Wes Moore for the state's handling of the incident. The spill, estimated at 240 million gallons, has contaminated the river from Georgetown to Virginia, prompting a shellfish fishery closure and concerns over the region's water supply.

Why it matters

The Potomac River is a vital natural resource for the D.C. region, providing drinking water and supporting important ecosystems. This historic sewage spill threatens the river's health and has far-reaching environmental and public health implications for the surrounding communities.

The details

The sewage spill occurred after a pipe interceptor rupture in Cabin John, Maryland, just north of the D.C. border. The pipe carries wastewater from several towns near the Washington Dulles International Airport to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in D.C. The spill was first noticed on security cameras on January 19, and crews from DC Water were able to contain much of the spill in the nearby Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

  • The pipe rupture was first noticed on security cameras on January 19, 2026.
  • Within several days, crews from DC Water were able to segregate much of the spill into the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who has ordered a federal response to the sewage spill.

Wes Moore

The governor of Maryland, who Trump has criticized for the state's handling of the incident.

DC Water

The utility that operates the wastewater treatment system and has been working to contain the spill.

David Gadis

The CEO of DC Water, who has called the Potomac River a "shared treasure" and outlined the utility's priorities in responding to the spill.

Linda Foley

A Maryland state delegate whose district is just upstream from the spill, who has characterized it as "one of the worst ecological disasters in the eastern part of the United States."

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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)

“Since the last century, the federal government has been responsible for the Potomac Interceptor, which is the origin of the sewage leak. For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people's health at risk.”

— Ammar Moussa, Spokesperson for Governor Wes Moore (Fox News Digital)

“Our immediate priorities have been containment, environmental monitoring, and stabilization - working closely with federal, state, and local partners to assess water quality, ecological impacts, and necessary remediation.”

— David Gadis, CEO of DC Water (Open letter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better coordination and investment in aging water infrastructure, as well as the political tensions that can arise during environmental crises. Protecting the Potomac River, a vital natural resource for the region, will require a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local authorities.