RedState has been diligently covering the ongoing issue of a significant sewage spill into the Potomac River, which has impacted Washington, D.C., and surrounding regions.

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his concerns over what he described as “incompetent Local and State Management of Essential Waste Management Systems.” He specifically mentioned Democrat Maryland Governor Wes Moore and stated, “The Federal Government has no choice but to step in.” Trump indicated that FEMA, despite facing budget cuts by Democrats, would be instrumental in leading the response efforts.

Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Congressional Democrats for what she deemed as hypocrisy—expecting federal employees to manage the cleanup without pay. This was highlighted in an article by my colleague, Jennifer Oliver O’Connell.

For further insights, see: Trump Calls for Federal Intervention After Potomac Sewage Spill Affects Wes Moore

Kristi Noem Exposes Democrat Inconsistency as FEMA Operates Unfunded to Tackle DC Sewage Crisis

In a recent development, President Trump has officially declared a disaster emergency in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Here’s a look at the details surrounding 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.