President Trump sparked a blame game over the massive sewage spill into the Potomac River, attacking Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), who in turn faulted the feds.
Why it matters: The major sewage pipe that burst on Jan. 19 caused one of the worst raw sewage spills in U.S. history.
The big picture: Trump directed FEMA to assist in the cleanup on Monday afternoon after denouncing state and local officials for not requesting help, but Moore said the federal government had failed to act over the spill.
What they're saying: "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 posted on Truth Social.
- "It is clear Local Authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity."
The other side: "The President has his facts wrong — again," said a spokesperson for Moore, noting that the broken pipe is managed by DC Water, an independent utility established by the federal and local D.C. government.
- "For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act," the spokesperson said.
State of play: DC Water is using bypass pumps to prevent further spills into the river while a permanent fix is finished.
- Crews this month hit a large rock blockage in the aging line, prolonging repair efforts by 4-6 weeks.
- The public is urged to stay away from the river — no pets, fishing, or boating. The area's drinking water is drawn upstream from the spill and remains safe.
