Biden fulfills promise to visit east Palestine, Ohio, train derailment site

President Joe Biden has confirmed his visit to East Palestine, Ohio, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating train derailment and toxic chemical spill in the region. This visit comes as a response to the community's long-standing request for presidential presence in the small eastern Ohio town.

The Incident

The incident occurred on Feb. 3, 2023, when a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed, sparking a prolonged fire that released harmful fumes and prompted the evacuation of local residents.

Government Response

In the wake of the derailment, Biden directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to appoint a coordinator to oversee the town's ongoing recovery efforts, assigned the Environmental Protection Agency to assess Norfolk Southern's compliance with addressing any enduring threats posed by the derailment, and allocated significant funds to rail safety grants and increased inspections through the Transportation Department.

Criticism and Delay

Criticism had been directed at the White House over the delay in Biden's visit to East Palestine following the derailment, especially as he had promptly visited other disaster-stricken areas across the country in the preceding months. Biden's explanation for the delay, citing a lack of opportunity to visit East Palestine, was noted in September, with his subsequent involvement in various foreign crises, including the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the recent death of service members in Jordan, which have contributed to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Comparison with Former President's Response

Former President Donald Trump visited a firehouse near the derailment site approximately 19 days after the incident, characterizing it as a "betrayal" of the town's residents. However, his visit coincided with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's arrival the following day and occurred weeks after the administration dispatched EPA Administrator Michael Regan to the site. Notably, Trump's visit brought attention to his administration's Department of Transportation, which oversaw the shelving of two regulations aimed at reinforcing train brake and crew safety.