White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is concerned that an ongoing sewage spill into the Potomac River could affect upcoming national celebrations in Washington.
Speaking to reporters, Leavitt addressed the rupture of a major wastewater pipeline that has released hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the river. She explained that while repair work is necessary, progress has been slowed by disagreements between federal and local authorities.
Leavitt stated that the administration is awaiting action from Maryland Governor Wes Moore or officials in Virginia or Washington, D.C., to invoke the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which would allow for expanded federal assistance.
“It’s no secret that Maryland’s water and infrastructure systems have been in dire need of repair,” Leavitt said, citing the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 infrastructure report card, which gave the state’s systems a near-failing grade.
During the briefing, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked whether the president was worried that the spill might still impact the capital by the summer, particularly as visitors are expected for July 4 events marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Leavitt acknowledged the concern.
“He is worried about that, which is why the federal government wants to fix it,” she said. “And we hope that the local authorities will cooperate with us.”
Responsibility for the pipeline has become a point of contention. Former President Donald Trump attributed the incident to what he described as “gross mismanagement” by Governor Moore’s administration, while Moore’s office has said the damaged pipe is overseen by a federal agency.
Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency and formally requested federal assistance.
“Our number one priority is the district,” said D.C. Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah. “We’re going to utilize all available resources — local, federal, and regional — to support operations and protect residents.”
The damaged pipeline, a 72-inch sewer line known as the Potomac Interceptor, ruptured on January 19. Approximately 250 million gallons of untreated sewage have been discharged into the river.
According to the Associated Press, the leak has been brought under control, though full repairs may take several months.
The Potomac Interceptor is operated by DC Water, the regional utility serving Washington, D.C., as well as parts of Maryland and Virginia. The utility has announced that it allocated $625 million earlier this year to fund repairs and infrastructure upgrades.
