East Palestine resident criticizes Biden: ‘Leaders lead, and they don’t follow’ – Washington Examiner

President Joe Biden’s visit to East Palestine on Friday is not stirring hope for residents as it comes 54 weeks after the area’s train derailment.

DJ Yokley appeared on Fox and Friends and admitted he had “no idea” why the trip took so long to plan. Yokley shared anecdotes of how the lives of those in the city “changed forever” and some moved away.

“It should have been the first thing on the leader of the free world’s desk, and 54 weeks later, he’s going to come and show accountability, which is really interesting to us because leaders lead and they don’t follow, necessarily, 54 weeks later and tell you what should have been done over a year ago,” Yokley said. “And I think that’s all we’re going to see today from our president: ‘This should have been done, that should have been done. Thanks for your support, and we will see you in November.’”

At the time the Norfolk Southern train’s 50-plus carriages fell off the track on Feb. 4, 2023, Biden opted to visit Ukraine on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Mayor Trent Conaway called the president’s decision “the biggest slap in the face” while continuing to invite the president to visit East Palestine. Meanwhile, the train cars carrying hazardous materials burned for several days, causing nearby soil and water to be affected by the chemicals. Earlier this week, in anticipation of Biden’s first trip to East Palestine, the president shared he has no concerns about drinking the water there.

“It’s been so frustrating to not have answers,” Yokley said. “And that’s kind of what we are hoping for at this point is we just get answers so we can make educated decisions at some point on the future of not only our village but the future of our families and our jobs.”

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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan visited East Palestine several times to test the soil and water in the area. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took a trip there about three weeks after the disaster. Additionally, former President Donald Trump visited the heavily Republican county.

Meanwhile, Biden took 22 days of vacation last year. That is in addition to the 138 days he spent working remotely from his vacation homes in Delaware, Camp David, and other vacation sites.

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