Maryland Governor Accuses Trump of 'Lying' About Potomac Sewage Spill

Moore says Trump is misrepresenting the facts around the 243 million gallon spill into the Potomac River.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) has accused former President Trump of lying about the Potomac sewage spill, saying that the pipe that broke is on federal land, the federal EPA was invited to a hearing but did not show up, and that Maryland officials were on site within hours to help coordinate the response. This is the latest in a series of barbs between Trump and Moore over the handling of the disaster, which has seen 243 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River.

Why it matters

The dispute between Trump and Moore highlights the political tensions and finger-pointing that can arise during major environmental disasters, especially when they involve multiple jurisdictions and levels of government. It also raises questions about the federal government's role and responsibilities in responding to such incidents.

The details

The Potomac Interceptor pipe that broke is owned by DC Water, a local utility that serves Washington, D.C. as well as several counties in Maryland and Virginia. While Maryland has provided regulatory oversight, DC Water has been leading the cleanup and remediation efforts. The EPA says it has offered support to state and local leaders but has not been asked to take over responsibilities.

  • The pipe break occurred on an unknown date, resulting in a 243 million gallon sewage spill into the Potomac River.
  • On Monday, February 13, 2026, former President Trump criticized the handling of the spill by 'Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland'.
  • On Tuesday, February 14, 2026, Trump directed criticism at 'Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.' for the 'massive sewage spill' and said the federal government could 'fix it' if local officials couldn't.
  • On Wednesday, February 15, 2026, Governor Moore posted on X (formerly Twitter) accusing Trump of 'lying to the public' about the spill and the response efforts.

The players

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who has accused former President Trump of lying about the Potomac sewage spill and the state's response efforts.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has criticized the handling of the Potomac sewage spill by 'Democrat Leaders' in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

DC Water

A local utility that owns the Potomac Interceptor pipe that broke, causing the 243 million gallon sewage spill. DC Water has been leading the cleanup and remediation efforts.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency that says it has offered support to state and local leaders but has not been asked to take over responsibilities for the Potomac sewage spill response.

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What they’re saying

“The President is lying to the public.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (X (formerly Twitter)

“If the president wants me to ask nicely, my response is this: 'Please Mr. President, do your job.'”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (Video remarks at Maryland Board of Public Works meeting)

“The White House has been in contact with FEMA, with the Army Corps of Engineers, with the Environmental Protection Agency. We've been standing by. This is a problem we want to fix, not just for the federal government, but for everyone who lives in the District of Columbia.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (White House Press Briefing)

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.