The announcement of the state of emergency is related to an accident that occurred on January 19, 2026, and its consequences continue to affect the region. The President has authorized FEMA to coordinate federal assistance and response efforts for this situation, appointing coordinator Mark O'Hanlon.
Trump previously mentioned this environmental issue on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that due to a sewer line break in Maryland, several million gallons of untreated sewage have been discharged into the Potomac River. He also expressed concern about the sharp unpleasant odor in the metropolitan area.
The President placed the blame for the incident on the authorities of the state of Maryland, pointing to improper management of the drainage systems. The White House also emphasized the need for a major overhaul of the water infrastructure in the region.
The Potomac River, approximately 652 km long, flows through Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, with the U.S. capital, Washington, located along its banks.
