Photo: Alamy
On Wednesday, President Trump’s anticipated visit to the disaster-stricken community of East Palestine, Ohio, elicited a patriotic response from residents who thanked the president for acknowledging their ongoing crisis.
In early February, a train derailment of chemical tankers took place, prompting officials to release the tankers’ toxic cargo into the air, per RSBN.
The chemical payload has since taken its toll on the area, with animals allegedly becoming sick and dying, along with a reported contamination of the community’s water sources.
Trump’s move to visit East Palestine comes amid Joe Biden’s overseas trip to Ukraine and now, Africa. So far, Biden has not visited Ohio.
Upon arrival on Wednesday, Trump was greeted by crowds of supporters holding signs that read, “Trump 2024, “FJB,” and “No Mo’ Joe.” Trump also spoke with local residents and signed autographs, handing out MAGA hats, and speaking briefly to reporters.
One resident exclaimed, “Thank you for not forgetting about us!”
Trump additionally visited first responders at one of the East Palestine fire stations. In fact, the president even bought lunch for the first responders on the ground from the local McDonald’s, via RSBN.
In remarks delivered during his visit, Trump reiterated his dedication to putting the needs of Americans first.
“To the people of East Palestine and to the nearby communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, we have told you loud and clear, you are NOT forgotten,” he said. “We stand with you, we pray for you, and we’ll stay with you in your fight to help answer…the accountability that you deserve. You’ll have that accountability, it’ll all be out there very clearly.”
Via a press statement from his campaign, Trump donated also more than 14,000 bottles of water to the local area of East Palestine.