President Biden’s upcoming visit to East Palestine, Ohio, a year after a significant train derailment, has triggered varied reactions from Ohio political figures.
Critics, including GOP members, have labeled the visit as a political stunt, questioning the president’s delayed response and its impact.
Conversely, some have expressed support for the visit, emphasizing the importance of federal support and accountability.
“Biden visiting East Palestine at this point is pure politics,” Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance wrote on X. “What is he actually going to do for the people on the ground? That’s what matters, not political stunts.”
“Joe Biden refused to stand with the patriots of East Palestine when it really mattered. He could have united our country by showing support to a right leaning community, but instead he ignored them,” Bernie Moreno wrote.
“Now a year later, he’s showing up for a photo op to help his failing campaign,” Moreno said.
“Governor DeWine has always encouraged President Biden to visit East Palestine,” the Ohio governor’s office stated.
“Actions of course speak louder than words, and the fact that it has taken Joe Biden so long to visit East Palestine is a sad reflection of his priorities,” Senator Matt Dolan said.
“It’s important that his absence does not obscure the hard work that has been done by local leaders, first responders and many others who have worked to demand accountability and results for the people of East Palestine.”
“Too little too late is President Biden’s legacy on East Palestine and every issue facing our Nation,” Secretary of State Frank LaRose said.
“We need leaders in Washington who will fight for the people of the Ohio Valley, and that’s what I’ll do on day one in the U.S. Senate.”
“Too late, President Biden,” Congressman Jim Jordan wrote on X. “Ohioans deserve better.”
The White House stated that Biden’s visit aims to meet with impacted residents, discuss federal aid, and address accountability with Norfolk Southern.
Despite criticism, the administration has defended the timing, emphasizing the president’s commitment to supporting communities in distress.
“The president has been very clear, any time there is a situation that happens in a community that is devastated by, whether it’s a derailment or a natural disaster, obviously, the president says this all the time, he is there for that community for as long as it takes, and he’s proven that,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Piere said.
“So he’s looking forward to going to East Palestine in February. We’re going to find a day that works best for the folks on the ground, he always said that when the time was right, when it was the most helpful for him to be there, he was going to be there.”
