WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday that the federal government will step in to “protect” the Potomac River following the collapse of a major sewer pipe in the Washington, D.C., region, and accused local officials of mismanaging waste management systems.
“I am directing Federal Authorities to immediately provide all necessary Management, Direction, and Coordination to protect the Potomac, the Water Supply in the Capital Region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation’s Capital City,” Trump, who has attempted to assert federal control over cities and states governed by Democrats, said on social media.
A sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, collapsed, on Jan. 19, causing an overflow of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater into the Potomac River.
The University of Maryland has called it one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history and its researchers have detected high levels of fecal-related bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in the river, raising urgent public health concerns and underscoring the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure.
Trump accused local officials of mismanaging waste management systems, criticizing Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore by name.
Trump said the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has seen significant staff cuts since he took office for a second time in early 2025, will coordinate the response.
In a statement to NBC News, Moore spokesperson Ammar Moussa said the federal government is the one “responsible” for the Potomac Interceptor, the name of the sewer line, adding that “for the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people’s health at risk,” while “Maryland has played its part” in helping to coordinate the response.
“If the federal government is just now showing up to take action, we will work collaboratively — as we always do — to be responsive and keep the public informed about the federal government’s plan to remediate the damage,” Moussa said. “The Potomac isn’t a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment.”
The office of Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said it had no comment on Trump’s post but pointed to a page on the local government’s website that noted drinking water in the area was safe and not impacted by the sewage release. The website said the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority is currently working on measures to contain the spill and repair the pipeline.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has attempted to assert control over Democratic-led areas, including the nation’s capital, through the use of National Guard troops, armed immigration agents and threats to cut federal funding.
More than 2,000 National Guard soldiers have been in Washington since Trump’s initial deployment in August.
Trump says his actions are aimed at combating crime and cracking down on illegal immigration. Democrats and rights advocates say these efforts have targeted political opponents and amount to federal overreach.
Climate advocates have criticized Trump’s cuts to domestic climate regulations and the U.S. withdrawal from global environmental accords.
