Trump Approves Emergency Aid for DC: Addressing Potomac River Sewage Crisis

WASHINGTON – In response to a significant sewage system leak that discharged over 250 million gallons of untreated waste into the Potomac River, President Donald Trump has authorized emergency aid for Washington, D.C.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced on Saturday that Trump gave the green light for FEMA to supply necessary equipment and resources to manage the aftermath of the pipeline rupture that occurred on January 19.

Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser had officially requested federal assistance last Wednesday, simultaneously declaring a state of emergency.

The President’s approval of this aid follows his criticism of the spill management, where he faulted local Democratic officials, highlighting Maryland’s Democratic Governor Wes Moore in particular.

On social media, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the local response, noting that officials had not initially sought federal help, prompting his decision to intervene.

However, the federal government was already involved in the repair and assessing the impact of the leak through the Environmental Protection Agency.

The 72-inch (183 centimeter) pipeline, known as the Potomac Interceptor, burst on Jan. 19, sending 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the Potomac River just north of Washington in the first five days.

The leak is largely under control, but it could take months to repair the pipe fully. The local water utility, DC Water, along with the EPA, has been working to repair the leak and monitor the impact on the river.

Officials have said the area’s drinking water is safe, but people who use the Potomac River for recreation are being cautioned not to have direct contact with the water.