Trump calls it ‘an insult’ for Biden to go to East Palestine one year after derailment

Former President Trump criticized President Biden late Wednesday ahead of his trip to East Palestine, Ohio, roughly a year after a train derailment spilled toxic chemicals in the community.

“Biden should have gone there a long time ago — for him to go now is an insult to those who live and work in East Palestine, and the Great State of Ohio, itself. I can’t believe anyone wants him there?” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I know he doesn’t want to be there, and even he knows he is making a mistake, because he is pandering to people who are smart, politically savvy and, unfortunately, badly hurt by Biden’s in-actions and lack of caring,” the former president added.

Biden will make the trip to 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 Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment.

The train spilled toxic chemicals into the area, raising concerns about the environment and health effects in the region. Other chemicals were released because of a “vent and burn” action after the derailment.

The White House has repeatedly emphasized that Environmental Protection Agency officials were on the ground within hours of the derailment and that teams went door-to-door in the community in the aftermath of the incident to check on residents and provide information about health and environmental concerns. 

Biden issued an executive order directing Norfolk Southern to be held accountable and address any long-term cleanup efforts. The president last September issued an executive order calling for the appointment of a dedicated coordinator for long-term recovery efforts in the community.

Trump, Biden’s likely opponent in November’s general election, visited the derailment site last February.

Updated Feb. 16 at 6 p.m.