By Matthew Holloway. Media: DC Enquirer.
Note: This article may contain commentary reflecting the author’s opinion.
A source near former President Donald Trump informs reporters that he will travel to East Palestine, Ohio next week to meet with members of the afflicted community.
The report from Fox News, said that the source indicated Trump has a strong relationship with the people of Ohio.
Trump has refrained from commenting on the disaster in Ohio thus far, and some have suggested he is withholding commentary until he has an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand.
During his first term as President, Trump was known for visiting disaster areas personally in Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, Alabama and many others typically to survey hurricane and tornado damage, as reported in a compilation by Fox News.
The Biden administration has come under intense criticism for its lackluster response to the environmental catastrophe. In particular, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Transportation have come under heavy scrutiny from the people of Ohio and Republican members of Congress.
The leaders of these departments, particularly Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell have received much of the criticism directly.
Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio has led the charge in demanding action from the Democrat-led Senate and the White House.
Visited a local creek in East Palestine today. These waterways are still very polluted. Itās time for Norfolk Southern to finish the cleanup. Check this video out: pic.twitter.com/4lsHBmrMJj
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) February 16, 2023
The former Presidentās eldest son Donald Trump Jr., confirmed the report in a tweet writing,
āBreaking News: Trump will visit East Palestine, Ohio next week. If our āleadersā are too afraid to actually lead real leaders will step up and fill the void.ā
Breaking News: Trump will visit East Palestine, Ohio next week.
If our āleadersā are too afraid to actually lead real leaders will step up and fill the void.— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 18, 2023
White House officials rather than announcing a visit from President Joe Biden or even Vice President Kamala Harris to survey the damage will instead send additional staff from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out public testing according to a release reported by WOIO-TV.
āThe Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting the people of East Palestine every step of the way, and holding Norfolk Southern accountable,ā the news release said.
This news followed a visit from EPA Administrator Regan who told locals to ātrust the government,ā according to The Associated Press.