Trump says US government to step in to protect Potomac River after sewage leak

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Reuters

February 16, 2026 3:18 PM EST Updated 7 hours ago


WASHINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday 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 last month. "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 in a social media post.

Maryland's Democratic Governor Wes Moore accused the Republican administration of not acting on this issue and said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not participated in a Friday legislative hearing on the cleanup. "Apparently, the Trump administration hadn't gotten the memo that they're actually supposed to be in charge here," the governor's spokesperson said, adding the federal government is responsible for the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, which was the origin of the sewage leak.

A sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland, collapsed on January 19, causing an overflow of more th an 240 million gallons (909 million liters) of wastewater into the Potomac River. The University of Maryland has called, opens new tab it one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history. Its researchers have detected high levels of fecal-related bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in the river, which the university said raised urgent public health concerns and underscored the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure.

The EPA said it had deferred an invitation to brief Maryland state lawmakers on the spill as the response to the leak had been led by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) and the state of Maryland. The EPA added it will perform its oversight role, coordinate with DC Water and update Congress.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-federal-government-step-protect-potomac-river-amid-sewage-leak-2026-02-16/

[Hugin]

1. Finally something historically significant enough to bear Trump's name.

“The University of Maryland has called it one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history.”

Someone get Sen Schumer on the phone.

[AZ8theist]

2. I find it hard to believe he gives a shit about pollution.

Especially since his adminstration is a cesspool of low-lifes.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Likely TSF had to step in b/c too many members of his golf course(s)

could smell the sewerage and complained.

[hatrack]

4. And it only took him a month to bleat about it . . .

Whatever, asshole.

[liberalgunwilltravel]

5. Their plan is

to have RFK, Jr. swim in it and drink up all the sewage.

[cstanleytech]

6. Raw sewage talking about sewage... how ironic.

[IronLionZion]

7. Have RFK Jr. swim in it. Very good for health apparently

Make Raw Sewage Great Again.

[BumRushDaShow]

8. He could be a giant filter!

[OldBaldy1701E]

9. Of course, all of the other environmental issues that are around don't count.

But having to smell the water in the Potomac for a few days is enough to get that orange gibbon motivated to actually talk about doing something.

(I will believe he will once it actually happens.)

[durablend]

10. "Sewage leak"? So his diaper finally exploded?

[twodogsbarking]

11. A septic tank would make a nice coffin for someone who is already shit.

If you've never unclogged a septic tank you don't know what you have missed. You can wash your hands but it takes awhile for the shtink to go away. Best eat your sammich with a fork.