Former President Trump criticized President Biden late Wednesday ahead of a visit to East Palestine, Ohio, nearly a year after a train derailment released toxic chemicals into the community.
“Biden should have gone there a long time ago. For him to go now is an insult to the people who live and work in East Palestine, and to the state of Ohio itself. There are people who want to put him there. I can’t believe this?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“I know he doesn’t want to be there and I know I’m making a mistake because he’s smart and politically savvy and unfortunately Biden’s actions and lack of compassion. Because it panders to people who have been deeply harmed by the United States,” the former president added.
Biden is scheduled to visit East Palestine on Friday at the invitation of the mayor, the White House said. The President will meet with residents and community leaders affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred on February 3, 2023.
The train spilled toxic chemicals into the area, including vinyl chloride, a hazardous chemical used in the manufacture of plastics, raising concerns about the impact on the local environment and health.
The White House said EPA officials were on the scene within hours of the derailment, and teams went door-to-door in the area to check on residents and provide health information after the incident. I have repeatedly emphasized that. and environmental concerns.
Biden has issued an executive order directing Norfolk South to take responsibility for a long-term cleanup effort. Last September, the president issued an executive order calling for the appointment of a dedicated coordinator for long-term community recovery efforts.
Mr. Trump, who is likely to be Mr. Biden’s opponent in the general election in November, visited the site of the derailment in February last year.
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