Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a disaster emergency due to an unprecedented sewage spill in the Potomac River, which is now confirmed to be the largest in U.S. history, with over 240 million gallons of raw sewage released. The declaration aims to mobilize federal assistance in the cleanup, highlighting the magnitude of the environmental crisis.

In a formal request to President Donald Trump, Mayor Bowser asked for an emergency disaster declaration to facilitate the allocation of federal resources necessary for the containment and cleanup of the spill. This situation has garnered criticism from various stakeholders, including Trump, who expressed his worries over the potential negative impact on the upcoming America250 celebrations, which are expected to draw significant attention to the capital this summer.

The incident has sparked a heated political exchange, with Trump publicly criticizing Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s response to the spill. In a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's concern about the unpleasant conditions in the area, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the environmental disaster as it poses health risks and threatens public events planned for the near future.