On Wednesday, former President Trump, who is currently running for the White House in 2024, during his visit to East Palestine, Ohio accused the Biden administration of showing “indifference and betrayal” towards the crisis that resulted from the train derailment and toxic chemical spill in the Ohio town.
During his speech, Trump slammed President Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for their response and failure to provide aid to help mitigate the environmental destruction and its effects on the area and community. Trump noted that Biden and FEMA had stated that aid would not be sent “to East Palestine under any circumstance,” but changed their mind after Trump announced that he would be visiting the area.
Trump stated that it was his move that “opened up the dam and we got them to move.” He was joined in the event by two other top Republicans, Sen. J.D. Vance (Ohio) and Rep. Bill Johnson (Ohio).
Trump arrived in the area with a delivery of water and supplies to help the residents of East Palestine. This trip had a strong political undertone, as Ohio is a swing state that has slowly been turning red over the past few years. In the two previous presidential elections, Trump won the state.
Trump’s visit to East Palestine comes shortly after President Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine and Poland.
On Thursday Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is also set to visit East Palestine to discuss with community members and be briefed on the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation regarding the cause of the derailment.
