Maryland Governor Clashes with Trump Over Potomac River Sewage Spill

Moore says the break was in a DC pipe on federal land, not Maryland's responsibility.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore has fired back at former President Donald Trump after Trump blamed Democrats like Moore for a collapsed sewer pipe that caused wastewater to spew into the Potomac River. In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY, Moore argued that the break was in a DC pipe on federal land, not Maryland's responsibility.

Why it matters

The dispute between Moore and Trump highlights ongoing political tensions over environmental issues and the allocation of responsibility for infrastructure problems. The Potomac River is a vital waterway that runs through the nation's capital, and a sewage spill raises concerns about public health and the river's ecosystem.

The details

According to the report, a collapsed sewer pipe caused wastewater to be released into the Potomac River, which runs through Washington, D.C. and is near the White House. Trump blamed Democrats like Moore for the spill, but Moore argued that the break was in a DC pipe on federal land, not Maryland's responsibility. Moore said, "How Maryland gets caught up in this, I have no idea. That is just some very creative facts from the president of the United States."

  • The sewer pipe collapse and resulting wastewater spill into the Potomac River occurred recently.

The players

Wes Moore

The current Governor of Maryland who is disputing Trump's claims about the Potomac River sewage spill.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who blamed Democrats like Governor Moore for the Potomac River sewage spill.

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What they’re saying

“How Maryland gets caught up in this, I have no idea. That is just some very creative facts from the president of the United States.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The dispute between Governor Moore and former President Trump over responsibility for the Potomac River sewage spill is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the issue will be resolved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the continued political tensions between Democrats and Republicans, even after a change in presidential administration. It also underscores the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure and addressing environmental issues in a collaborative, non-partisan manner for the benefit of the public.