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Donald Trump on Wednesday visited the city of East Palestine (Ohio), which suffered the derailment of a toxic train and its subsequent consequences. The former Republican president spoke with citizens, criticized President Biden for his response to the accident, and visited a local McDonald’s.
Trump toured the city with Senator J. D. Vance, took advantage of his visit to hear what residents had to say about the train derailment and then held a press conference.
“19 days ago tragedy struck this wonderful village and rocked the lives of people (…) Americans have been inspired by your strength and your courage and how you’ve come together to stand up for the families,” he began his speech surrounded by local officials and citizens.
“Unfortunately, as you know in too many cases your goodness and perseverance who are met with indifference and betrayal. In some cases, Biden and FEMA said they would not send federal aid to East Palestine under any circumstance,” continued the former president, who will seek a second term in 2024.
Trump called on President Biden to travel to the city and attacked him for visiting Ukraine when East Palestine is struggling to clean up the mess caused by the derailment. “I sincerely hope that when your representatives and all of the politicians get here, including Biden,” he added.
Despite criticism of the federal government, he highlighted the actions of FEMA and his relationship with it when he was president. “I will tell you I had a great relationship with FEMA, I found FEMA to be incredible. Here, they could have been at least a week earlier but they decided to do it this way, and I guess it came from the top,” he said.
Trump did not come empty-handed to East Palestine. He handed out hats, supplies and many bottles of water to the residents. He thanked the officials and citizens present, name by name, and then gave them the floor.
“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. We stand with you, we pray for you, and we will stay with you,” he concluded.
Trump and a stop by McDonald’s
Trump also indulged in a visit to a local McDonald’s. There are few things the former president enjoys more than fast food and he let the employees know it. “Hello, everybody. What’s your specialty today?” he exclaimed as he entered the restaurant, to the stunned gaze of those present.
“So, I know this menu better than you do. I probably know it better than anybody in here,” he joked with the employees, going on to indicate that he would be catering meals for the police departments, the city’s fire department, and everyone in the restaurant. As for his meal, he said he was going to enjoy it on the plane home.
Joaquín Núñez es licenciado en comunicación periodística por la Universidad Católica Argentina. Se especializa en el escenario internacional y en la política nacional norteamericana. Confeso hincha de Racing Club de Avellaneda. Contacto: [email protected] // Joaquín Núñez has a degree in journalistic communication from the Universidad Católica Argentina. He specializes in the international scene and national American politics. Confessed fan of Racing Club of Avellaneda. Contact: [email protected]