Trump floats federal takeover of Potomac River sewage cleanup, if asked ‘politely’

Published February 17, 2026 12:16pm ET



President Donald Trump offered Tuesday that the federal government could step in to help clean up the sewage spill in the Potomac River, if Democratic leaders across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., ask him “politely.”

DC Water announced early Tuesday morning that emergency repairs to the Potomac Interceptor sewer line, which has spilled nearly 250 million gallons of wastewater into the river since Feb. 6, would not be completed until at least the end of March.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.