Biden insulting East Palestine and Ohio with year-late visit to toxic crash site: Trump – Washington Examiner

Former President Donald Trump trashed President Joe Biden for his planned trip to East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after the toxic train derailment that devastated the small town.

Trump visited the town where a Norfolk Southern train derailed, spilling toxic chemicals, weeks after the incident in February 2023. Biden is scheduled to visit Friday, but Trump said Wednesday night in a post on Truth Social that the president visiting now is an insult to East Palestine and the state.

“It was such a great honor to be with the people of East Palestine immediately after the tragic event took place,” Trump said. “I got to know so many of the people, in particular the wonderful Mayor, Trent Conaway. Biden should have gone there a long time ago—for him to go now is an insult to those who live and work in East Palestine, and the Great State of Ohio, itself.

“I can’t believe anyone wants him there?” Trump continued. “I know he doesn’t want to be there, and even he knows he is making a mistake, because he is pandering to people who are smart, politically savvy and, unfortunately, badly hurt by Biden’s in-actions and lack of caring. It will be so interesting to see how they meet and greet this FRAUD, and the THUGS that surround him!”

The derailment on the evening of Feb. 3, 2023, involved a train that was carrying 20 cars of hazardous materials, 11 of which derailed. National Transportation Safety Board officials said 38 train cars came off the tracks, and an ensuing fire damaged an additional 12. The incident created environmental and safety concerns for the surrounding area, considering the toxic materials being transported.

The Biden administration was heavily criticized for its slow response, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg not visiting East Palestine until after Trump and Biden until his planned Friday trip.

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The White House has defended the aftermath of the derailment, arguing that teams from various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, responded to the crisis shortly after the incident. Officials have said that Biden’s visit will be for the president to meet with residents and see the progress of recovery from the derailment.

“In February, President Biden will travel to East Palestine, Ohio, to meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment and assess the progress that his administration has helped deliver in coordination with state and local leaders to protect the community and hold Norfolk Southern accountable,” a White House official said last month.

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