In a significant development making national headlines, former U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration in response to a major environmental incident impacting Washington, D.C. The declaration comes after a large-scale sewage spill contaminated sections of the Potomac River, raising serious public health and environmental concerns.
According to officials, millions of gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged into the river following infrastructure failure, prompting immediate action from local and federal authorities. The emergency status allows federal agencies, including disaster response teams, to coordinate cleanup operations, provide technical support, and allocate funding for rapid containment and recovery efforts.
Environmental experts have warned that the spill could have short-term ecological consequences, particularly affecting aquatic life and nearby communities that rely on the river. Authorities have advised residents to avoid contact with river water until further notice, as testing and cleanup operations continue.
Government representatives stated that protecting public health and restoring environmental safety remain top priorities. Emergency crews are currently assessing the damage, repairing affected systems, and monitoring water quality levels to prevent further contamination.
The situation continues to develop, with officials expected to provide additional updates as response efforts progress.