President Joe Biden is set to visit East Palestine, Ohio, on the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic train derailment that occurred there. This visit, announced by the White House, marks a significant step by the administration to engage with the affected community.
During this visit, President Biden plans to meet with residents who were impacted by the derailment and the ensuing spill of hazardous chemicals into the area. His address is expected to focus on the measures his administration has taken in collaboration with state and local leaders to safeguard the community and hold the responsible party, Norfolk Southern, accountable.
President Biden faced considerable criticism for not visiting East Palestine in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, which took place on February 3, 2023. The residents were given clearance to return to their homes on February 8, despite the earlier release and burning of toxic vinyl chloride gas, which created a large plume of black smoke over the town for several days.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump visited East Palestine after the accident, where he distributed truckloads of bottled water to the residents. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, highlighted this gesture as a sign of Trump’s commitment to the people of East Palestine, in contrast to Biden and the federal government’s approach at the time.
Despite promising to visit East Palestine in March 2023, Biden had stated as recently as last September that he had not yet had the opportunity to go there, following the train derailment and the resultant toxic chemical spill that caused air and water contamination in the village.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked earlier this month about Biden’s plans to visit East Palestine, said that the President would visit “when it’s most helpful to the community.” This statement came after Biden had flown directly over East Palestine in August on his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for an event promoting his economic agenda, “Bidenomics.”
This forthcoming visit by President Biden to East Palestine is seen as an important gesture to the residents affected by the train derailment, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing the aftermath and recovery of such incidents.