Trump Blames Maryland Governor Over Potomac Sewage Spill

Former President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Maryland Governor Wes Moore for what he called a delayed response to a major sewage spill in the Potomac River, northwest of Washington, D.C. The spill occurred after a 1960s-era sewer pipe, the Potomac Interceptor, collapsed on January 19.

The pipe is part of DC Water, a federally regulated utility overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite this, Trump took to social media from his Florida home, saying he “cannot allow incompetent Local ‘Leadership’” to turn the Potomac “into a Disaster Zone.” He stated that federal authorities have been ordered to coordinate the response.

“There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland,” Trump wrote.

Governor Moore’s spokesman, Ammar Moussa, pushed back, saying the Trump administration has largely neglected its responsibility. “The President has his facts wrong — again. They are actually supposed to be in charge here,” Moussa said.

DC Water CEO David L. Gadis confirmed coordination with the EPA is ongoing. The agency said a video inspection revealed a large rock blockage inside the pipe, delaying repairs. Emergency work is expected to take four to six weeks and will also focus on environmental restoration.

The Potomac River remains unsafe for contact, fishing, or letting pets near it, though drinking water is reported as safe.

Trump has repeatedly clashed with Moore, excluding him from a White House governors’ dinner and criticizing his handling of Baltimore’s violence and infrastructure projects, including the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild.

Maryland officials say the state is ready to cooperate with federal agencies to fix the spill. Moussa emphasized, “The Potomac isn’t a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment.”