President Biden faced widespread backlash Friday as he made his first visit to East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a dangerous train derailment.
Administration officials said that even though the president has not visited the region in 378 days, Mr. ”
Biden had previously been heavily criticized by Republicans, celebrities and local residents for not visiting the rural Ohio town in Columbiana County on the Pennsylvania border.
Trump-supporting Ohio senator Bernie Moreno slams Biden’s ‘long-delayed’ visit to East Palestine
President Joe Biden speaks after touring an East Palestine reconstruction site in East Palestine, Ohio, Friday, February 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
“President Trump: Visited East Palestine right after the train derailment and bought food for the community,” recalled Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). “President Biden: Visits Ukraine after train derailment, East Palestine a year later.”
“Why are we in such a hurry?” Spectator contributing editor Stephen L. Miller joked about Biden’s arrival.
Twitchy’s Doug Powers wrote, “Oh yeah, this is why the White House finally sent Biden to East Palestine a year too late. You’ve heard about the ‘Friday document dump,’ but… This is ‘Friday for the President.’ Visit the dump. ”
Comedian Tim Young joked that “Biden probably thinks he’s visiting.” [H]Show your leadership in East Palestine today. ”
“Biden is the first president to be hated by both Palestine and East Palestine. That’s going to take effort,” similarly quipped entrepreneur and investor David O. Sachs.
President Joe Biden tours an East Palestine reconstruction site in East Palestine, Ohio, Friday, February 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Several people commented on Biden’s actions at the press conference.
“Biden clearly didn’t want to be there today. He’s a truly awful, heartless person,” wrote Republican Rapid Response Director Jake Schneider. “Shame on him.”
“While the East Palestine mayor was speaking, Biden reached into his pockets, found nothing, and then returned to his normal standing position,” wrote Greg Price, communications director for the National Freedom Caucus.
Conservative communicator Steve Guest responded: “Is it impossible for Biden to act normally? Apparently so.”
Radio host Lori Mills wrote that Biden’s opening remarks while wiping his nose were “pathetic.”
Trump ally Moreno wins Noem’s support, making her the top Ohio Republican vying for Democrat Sherrod Brown.
“Biden showing up in East Palestine a year later is one of the stupidest political decisions I’ve ever seen. If he didn’t do it right away… “If they had, they would have pre-empted Trump and avoided a serious protest.” He just looks like a clown now. ”
“Seriously, who is running this administration?” he added.
Biden’s visit drew demonstrators who criticized the president’s slow response and showed support for Trump.
“Nobody likes Biden,” an account representing the commentator duo The Hodget Twins wrote in response to a video of protesters criticizing Biden.
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FOX News’ Luis Casiano contributed to this report.
