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Maryland Governor Wes Moore Responds to Trump Over Potomac Sewage Spill
Moore calls for FEMA funding to help with flood recovery, while Trump blames local leaders for the spill.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) fired back at President Trump after Trump blamed Moore and other local Democratic leaders for a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River. Moore called on Trump to approve FEMA funding to help the state recover from historic floods last year, while Trump directed federal authorities to coordinate the response to the spill.
Why it matters
The dispute between Moore and Trump highlights the political tensions around disaster response and recovery efforts, with the president seeking to blame local leaders while the governor pushes for more federal assistance. The spill also raises concerns about the impact on the Potomac River and the water supply in the region.
The details
The sewage spill stemmed from a collapsed section of the Potomac Interceptor, which is owned and operated by DC Water. State and local agencies, as well as the EPA, are assisting in the response and monitoring water quality. While the spill does not impact drinking water, authorities are warning residents to avoid contact with the Potomac River. In October, Moore had appealed to Trump for federal disaster relief for flooding in western Maryland, but FEMA denied the state's request.
- In October 2025, Moore appealed to Trump for federal disaster relief for flooding in western Maryland.
- On Monday, February 17, 2026, Trump blamed Moore and other local Democratic leaders for the Potomac sewage spill.
- On Tuesday, February 18, 2026, Moore fired back at Trump, calling for FEMA funding to help with flood recovery efforts.
The players
Wes Moore
The Democratic governor of Maryland who is responding to Trump's criticism over the Potomac sewage spill.
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who is blaming local Democratic leaders for the Potomac sewage spill and directing federal authorities to coordinate the response.
Abigail Spanberger
The Democratic governor of Virginia, who Trump also criticized over the Potomac sewage spill.
Muriel Bowser
The Democratic mayor of Washington, D.C., who Trump also criticized over the Potomac sewage spill.
DC Water
The agency that owns and operates the Potomac Interceptor, the source of the sewage spill.
What they’re saying
“'Mr. President, this spill is basically contained. So could you approve the @FEMA funding to help Western Maryland rebuild after the historic floods last year? @Sec_Noem, tagging you here too for good measure.'”
— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (X)
“'ACT FAST. I am awaiting your call.'”
— Donald Trump (Truth Social)
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 dispute highlights the ongoing political tensions around disaster response and recovery efforts, with the president seeking to blame local leaders while the governor pushes for more federal assistance. The spill also raises concerns about the impact on the Potomac River and the water supply in the region, underscoring the need for coordinated and effective emergency management.
