A significant sewage leak in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has resulted in an estimated 227 million liters of untreated wastewater daily flowing into the Potomac River, prompting strong criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, writing on Truth Social on February 17, 2026, blamed the incident on the "incompetence" of governing Democrats, stating that state and local authorities failed to request necessary emergency aid. He announced that the federal government would intervene, tasking federal disaster relief agencies with addressing the situation, which he described as turning the river into a "disaster area." The leak, originating from a damaged pipeline in Maryland, began on January 19, with a bypass line operational by January 24. While drinking water remains unaffected, the public has been warned to avoid contact with the river due to potential health risks from viruses and bacteria.