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Trump and Maryland Governor Wes Moore Battle over Potomac River Sewage Spill Response
A 72-inch sewer pipe burst in January, spilling 243 million gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River, prompting federal intervention amid disputes over response responsibility.
- On Monday, President Donald Trump ordered federal authorities to coordinate the response and 'immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination,' after criticizing Maryland officials over the sewage spill.
- On Jan. 19, a 72-inch Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed, releasing more than 200 million gallons into the Potomac near Glen Echo, Maryland; the 1960s-era pipe is part of DC Water and runs under National Park Service oversight.
- Researchers and regulators warned of contamination across the region as University of Maryland researchers detected high levels of fecal bacteria, while D.C. Department of Energy and Environment urged residents to avoid river contact.
- Maryland officials said they were on site within hours, accused the Trump administration of shirking responsibility, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deferred a legislative briefing, citing DC Water and Maryland leading the response.
- A video inspection earlier this month found a large rock dam about 30 feet from the breach requiring treatment, while emergency repairs are expected to take four to six weeks amid a Department of Homeland Security funding pause complicating Federal Emergency Management Agency coordination.
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The New York Ledger
The New York LedgerMassive sewage spill could plague Potomac River through most of 2026
One of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history saw millions of gallons of waste dumped into the Potomac River -- and officials say it will be at least another month before they can begin to repair the aging pipe that caused the debacle.
·United States
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Trump battle over Potomac River sewage spill response
President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at Maryland Gov. Wes Moore over what he says is a lagging response to a January pipe rupture that sent sewage flowing into the Potomac River northwest of Washington. Trump took aim at Moore even though a District of Columbia-based water authority and the federal government have jurisdiction over the busted pipe. The 1960s-era pipe, called the Potomac Interceptor, is part of DC Water, a utility based in…
·Baltimore, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources67
Leaning Left16Leaning Right20Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources lean Right
38% Right
L 30%
C 32%
R 38%
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