After a year of delays, President Joe Biden is set to visit East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailment caused a toxic chemical spill, impacting the town’s recovery. The visit follows an invitation from Mayor Trent Conaway, a Republican, who, despite his reservations about Biden, sees it as beneficial for the community.
The town faced a hazardous incident when a Norfolk Southern train derailed on February 3, 2023, triggering a prolonged fire and toxic fumes. While Biden’s visit has been long-awaited, it contrasts with Trump’s prompt response to the crisis.
Mayor Conaway expressed his frustration, suggesting that Biden should visit during his book tour in Feb. 2025, hinting at a potential loss to former President Donald Trump.
The Biden administration, without specifying the visit date, emphasizes the president’s commitment to aiding communities when beneficial. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre outlined the administration’s assistance, including FEMA’s coordinator appointment and EPA evaluation, post the derailment incident.
WOW: East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway says the best time for Biden to visit would be February 2025 when he's on his book tour.
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— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) January 31, 2024
Residents, however, feel Biden’s efforts are belated, questioning the purpose of the visit after a year of waiting. The delayed response is seen as potentially impacting Biden’s re-election campaign negatively.
For East Palestine residents like Jeremy Smith, Biden’s current efforts to visit come across as “too little, too late.” The town’s sentiment reflects a dissatisfaction that might influence the political landscape.
