Trump Offers Federal Takeover Of Potomac Cleanup
Trump directed federal authorities, including FEMA, to coordinate cleanup after about 243 million gallons of sewage spilled from the Potomac Interceptor following a Jan. 19 collapse.
Overview
On Feb. 16, President Donald Trump directed federal authorities, including FEMA, to provide management, direction and coordination for cleanup of the Potomac River and the capital region's water supply.
A Jan. 19 collapse of the 72-inch Potomac Interceptor released sewage into the river, a breach officials and environmental groups described as among the largest in U.S. history.
Moore's office said the president 'has his facts wrong,' and spokesman Ammar Moussa said the federal government has been responsible for the Potomac Interceptor since the last century.
DC Water reported about 243 million gallons of wastewater overflowed, while the Potomac Riverkeeper Network estimated up to 300 million gallons by Feb. 5.
DC Water announced early Tuesday that emergency repairs would not be completed until at least the end of March, and public health officials warned people and pets to avoid contact with contaminated water.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a partisan clash by foregrounding President Trump's accusatory social-media directives and using verb choices like 'slams' and 'battle' in headlines, then juxtaposing jurisdictional facts and Moore's rebuttals. Editorial emphasis places Trump's political framing first, while technical repair details and EPA/DC Water context follow as corrective source content.
Sources (13)
FAQ
A section of the 72-inch diameter Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed on January 19, 2026, near Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland, during ongoing rehabilitation work since September 2025. A rock dam inside the pipe was later discovered complicating repairs.[1]
Estimates range from 243 million gallons reported by DC Water to up to 300 million gallons by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, making it one of the largest spills in U.S. history.[1]
DC Water installed bypass pumps on January 23-24 to reroute wastewater around the collapse using the C&O Canal, reducing overflows significantly. Repairs are ongoing, complicated by a rock dam, with completion expected in 4-6 weeks or by end of March.[1][2]
No, the drinking water supply is not impacted as the spill occurred below operational drinking water intakes, and the water system is separate from the sewer system.[2]
Public health officials warn against contact with contaminated water due to elevated E. coli levels, especially near the site. Shellfish harvesting is closed above Rt. 301 bridge, but levels are improving downstream.[3]
History
- 4 sources
5 sources