Trump: DC's Bowser asked me to get involved on Potomac spill

Trump: DC's Bowser asked me to get involved on Potomac spill

Trump Administration Engages on Potomac Sewage Spill as D.C. Seeks Federal Funding

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has formally requested federal assistance to address the environmental and financial fallout from a historic sewage spill in the Potomac River, marking a pivotal moment in the crisis. The spill, caused by a collapsed pipeline on January 19, has released over 240 million gallons of raw sewage into the river, prompting urgent calls for coordinated cleanup efforts and cost recovery.

Bowser's emergency declaration, issued on February 19, enables her to seek a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration, which would qualify the District and DC Water for 100% federal reimbursement of response costs. The mayor emphasized that while the declaration does not accelerate repair timelines, it is critical for mitigating financial burdens on local taxpayers and avoiding potential rate hikes for DC Water customers. The request also aims to enhance interagency coordination, including with FEMA and the EPA, to address water quality monitoring and long-term infrastructure improvements.

The White House has signaled support for intervention, with President Donald Trump publicly criticizing Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for what he described as inadequate state-level action. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump is "worried" about the river's condition ahead of the America250 celebrations this summer, urging local leaders to "ask for the Stafford Act to be implemented" to facilitate federal control of the cleanup. Maryland officials, however, have pushed back, asserting that the federal government has historical oversight of the affected infrastructure and has not fulfilled its responsibilities.

Financial implications remain uncertain. While D.C. officials have not disclosed specific cost estimates for repairs or environmental remediation, the spill has already triggered hazmat protocols for water rescues and elevated E. coli levels, complicating recreational use of the river. The prolonged cleanup, expected to span months, could strain local budgets unless federal funding is secured.

As the Trump administration weighs the request, the crisis underscores broader debates over infrastructure investment and regional accountability. Bowser's office reiterated that the emergency declaration reflects a commitment to "coordinated action," rather than asserting unilateral control over the response. With no immediate resolution in sight, stakeholders await clarity on federal support and its long-term fiscal impact.