LIVE OAK, FL — President Biden expressed interest in visiting East Palestine, Ohio, despite his packed agenda.
During his visit to Florida to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, President Biden told reporters that he was considering a trip to East Palestine this week.
However, his schedule includes a trip to New Delhi, India, for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Thursday, which he was reminded of.
President Biden has not yet visited East Palestine since the train derailment.
In February, a train owned by Norkfolk Southern derailed in East Palestine, causing roughly 50 cars carrying hazardous materials to spill toxic chemicals and start a large chemical fire. The incident forced residents to evacuate the area.
While the Biden administration has sent top officials, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, to visit the community, President Biden’s political rival, former President Donald Trump, has already been there.
The administration has faced months of criticism for its response to the train derailment, specifically regarding the lack of a major disaster declaration.
Lawmakers from Ohio at both the federal and state levels have pushed for a major disaster declaration in response to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s request, which they believe would provide additional resources to help East Palestine. Governor DeWine, a Republican, made the request in July.
