🌊 Trump Orders Federal Action After Massive Potomac Sewage Spill

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the federal government will step in to “protect” the Potomac River following a catastrophic sewer pipe collapse in the Washington, D.C., region. He sharply criticized local officials, accusing them of mismanaging wastewater systems. 🚨

The environmental crisis began on Jan. 19, when a major sewer line in Montgomery County collapsed, releasing more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River.

⚠️ One of the Largest Sewage Spills in U.S. History

Researchers at the University of Maryland described the incident as one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history.

Water testing revealed elevated levels of bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, prompting serious public health and environmental concerns. Experts say the spill underscores the growing risks associated with aging infrastructure across the country.

🏛️ Federal vs. State Responsibility

President Trump stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will coordinate the federal response. He also publicly criticized Maryland Gov. Wes Moore over the handling of the situation.

In response, a spokesperson for Moore argued that the federal government holds responsibility for the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, accusing the Trump administration of failing to act for weeks while Maryland officials worked to mitigate the damage.

🌍 Environmental & Political Impact

The Potomac River is a critical waterway serving millions in the Mid-Atlantic region. Environmental advocates warn that contamination of this scale could have long-term ecological and economic consequences.

As federal and state officials dispute accountability, the incident has intensified debates over infrastructure funding, environmental oversight, and emergency response coordination.

📌 Stay tuned for updates as federal agencies assess the damage and outline cleanup and recovery plans.