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RedState has been diligently informing its readers about the ongoing controversy linked to the significant sewage spill into the Potomac River, which has impacted Washington, D.C., and its neighboring regions.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, attributing the spill to what he described as “incompetent Local and State Management of Essential Waste Management Systems.” He specifically mentioned Maryland’s Democratic Governor, Wes Moore. Trump announced that the federal government had no alternative but to intervene, emphasizing that FEMA, despite experiencing funding cuts by the Democrats, would be crucial in managing the response effort.
Adding to the discussion, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Congressional Democrats for the inconsistency of leaving federal employees unpaid while expecting them to address the aftermath of the spill. This point was highlighted by my colleague, Jennifer Oliver O’Connell, who delved into the political dynamics at play.
For further insights: Trump’s Response to the Potomac Sewage Spill and His Federal Takeover Decision.
Kristi Noem Exposes the Contradictions in Democratic Actions as FEMA Workers Tackle the DC Sewage Crisis Without Pay.
Kristi Noem Lays Bare the Democrat Dishonesty As FEMA Works Without Pay to Clean Up DC Sewage
Now there’s an update, as President Trump officially declared a disaster emergency in D.C. on Saturday. Here’s what we know about the federal response:
The declaration will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to step in and provide assistance after a sewer line collapsed in January and dumped millions of gallons of raw filth into the water outlining the nation’s capital.
…
The emergency declaration authorizes FEMA to provide direct federal assistance under its Public Assistance program, specifically covering emergency protective measures categorized as “Category B.”
The federal government will fund 75% of eligible response costs, according to FEMA. Mark K. O’Hanlon has been named the federal coordinating officer for the disaster response, and additional aid designations could be made following further damage assessments.
Sec. Noem said in a statement shared on X that she will “stay in close contact” with EPA Director Lee Zeldin, as DHS and FEMA partner up “to ensure the cleanup is swift and effective” in the District:
Today, @POTUS Trump directed @FEMA and @EPA to provide emergency assistance to the District of Columbia as they work to protect people from the effects of the recent spill in the Potomac. @EPALeeZeldin and I will stay in close contact to ensure coordinated federal support to the…
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 21, 2026
She continued::
FEMA is deploying a team to support incident management, working directly with local officials and federal partners to coordinate federal resources. EPA will lead the federal response while @DHSgov and FEMA leverage all our resources to ensure the cleanup is swift and effective.
But the end of her statement highlighted the political roadblock that weighs on the federal effort, with the partial government shutdown leaving her own department employees, and FEMA workers, without paychecks:
Even as Democrat politicians shut us down and these men and women go without pay, DHS is committed to providing much needed aid to the Americans impacted by this disaster. We will not let our citizens suffer without help.
This is a developing story, and RedState will provide updates as warranted.
Editor’s Note: President Trump is leading America into the “Golden Age” as Democrats try desperately to stop it.