The US Capitol is seen across the Potomac River from Alexandria, Virginia, December 24, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File Photo
(Washington, DC) – It’s now considered the worst sewage spill in American history. And it’s fouling up the air near Foggy Bottom — as the waters along the Potomac River in Washington, DC and Maryland have become fetid. President Trump has now directed federal authorities to help in the ongoing recovery effort.
This is all the result of a breakdown within the area’s sewage control system. On January 19, 2026, a sewer system known as the “Potomac Interceptor” crumbled. More than 300 million gallons of raw sewage were released into the Potomac River — nicknamed “The Nation’s River” — given it’s connection to the capital.
It’s a huge mess. The contaminated area now extends along a 72-mile stretch and into Virginia. And according to people that live in the area the stench is “unbearable.” What’s worse is that the cleanup is expected to take four-to-six-weeks, if not longer.
President Trump blasted local leadership in a post on Truth Social. He said, “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 continued with pointed words of criticism aimed at the Democrat Governor Moore and others: “It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity. Therefore, 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. While State and Local Authorities have failed to request needed Emergency Help, I cannot allow incompetent Local ‘Leadership’ to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone.”
But Governor Moore responded with barbs of his own. Spokesperson Ammar Moussa told The Hill: “The President has his facts wrong—again. Since the last century, the federal government has been responsible for the Potomac Interceptor, which is the origin of the sewage leak. For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people’s health at risk.” Moussa added, “Notably, the president’s own EPA explicitly refused to participate in the major legislative hearing about the cleanup last Friday. Apparently the Trump administration hadn’t gotten the memo that they’re actually supposed to be in charge here.”
Locals have been warned against taking part in any activities along the river. But thankfully, drinking water has not been affected.
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