Bowser requests Trump’s help on Potomac sewage spill

Politico

by By Miranda Willson and Thomas Frank

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., has made an unusual request for President Donald Trump to declare the area affected by a massive sewage spill in the Potomac River a disaster and cover repair costs. This comes after Trump blamed Democrats for the spill and suggested that local officials should "politely" ask for federal assistance. In her formal letter to FEMA, Bowser respectfully requested full reimbursement for damages caused by the January 19 sewer line collapse in Montgomery County, Maryland, which released over 250 million gallons of raw sewage into the river. The request is highly unusual as no president has ever declared a disaster for a sewage spill. Typically, FEMA covers 75% of disaster repair costs unless damage is extreme. Bowser’s letter, however, did not include cost estimates or claim that local resources were insufficient—a requirement for federal aid under the Stafford Act. Governors of Maryland and Virginia have also declined to request disaster assistance, with Maryland stating it does not own the affected infrastructure. Environmentalists warn the spill could severely impact the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, potentially making the water unsafe for fishing and boating. While federal funding would help with cleanup, critics argue that improved water quality monitoring and public notifications should be prioritized over a disaster declaration. Bowser’s move has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and environmental policy, highlighting the challenges of addressing major ecological issues without sufficient federal support. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between local governments seeking federal aid and federal officials’ political calculations. It also underscores the broader debate over FEMA’s role in responding to non-traditional disasters like sewage spills. As Bowser awaits Trump’s decision, environmentalists and residents remain concerned about the long-term impact on the region’s waterways and public health.

Verticals

politicsnews

Originally published on Politico on 2/19/2026