US President Donald Trump has directed federal agencies to manage a massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, calling the situation a “disaster zone” after millions of gallons of wastewater overflowed from a collapsed sewer line in Maryland. The rupture, discovered in January, has forced local crews to work around the clock, though officials stress that drinking water has not been affected. Sampling has revealed dangerous concentrations of E. coli and MRSA bacteria in the river.
Trump announced on social media that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, would lead the response. However, FEMA’s funding is currently frozen amid a standoff in Congress over DHS appropriations, complicating efforts to address the ecological disaster. He specifically criticized Maryland Governor Wes Moore for “gross mismanagement,” while state officials countered that the spill is primarily the responsibility of DC Water and the federal government.
DC Water officials estimate that it could take weeks to temporarily fix the Potomac Interceptor line and several months to complete permanent repairs. Meanwhile, residents have been advised to avoid contact with the river. The dispute highlights tensions between federal and state authorities over emergency response responsibilities, as public health risks from the spill remain a pressing concern.
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