President Biden faced widespread backlash Friday for making his first visit to East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a dangerous train derailment.
Administration officials said Biden has had a “laser focus” on the problems facing the rural village where more than a million gallons of toxic chemicals were released into the environment, even though the president did not visit the area during 378 days.
Biden was heavily criticized by Republicans, public figures and local residents for not earlier visiting the rural Ohio town, which is located in Columbiana County on the state's border with Pennsylvania.
BERNIE MORENO, OHIO SENATE CANDIDATE, BACKED BY TRUMP, EXPLOITS OFFER FOR 'LONG DELAYED' VISIT TO EASTERN PALESTINE
President Joe Biden speaks after touring the East Palestine Recovery Site, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
“President Trump: He visited East Palestine right after the train derailment and bought food for the community,” recalled Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. “President Biden: He visited Ukraine after the train derailment and visited Eastern Palestine a year later.”
“What's the rush?” The Spectator contributing editor Stephen L. Miller joked about Biden's arrival.
Twitchy's Doug Powers wrote: “So yeah, that's why the White House didn't want to finally send Biden to East Palestine a year late. You may have heard about a 'Friday document dump'; it's about of a 'Friday presidential dump'. visit the dump.”
Comedian Tim Young joked: “Biden probably thinks he's visiting [H]”Amas leadership in East Palestine today”.
“Biden is the first president hated by both Palestine and East Palestine. That takes effort,” businessman and investor David O. Sacks similarly joked.
President Joe Biden tours the East Palestine recovery site, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Several people commented on Biden's behavior at the press conference.
“Biden clearly did not want to be there today. He truly is a horrible, heartless person,” wrote GOP rapid response director Jake Schneider. “It's his fault.”
“As the mayor of East Palestine speaks, Biden searches all his pockets, finds nothing, and then goes back to normal,” wrote State Freedom Caucus communications director Greg Price.
Conservative communicator Steve Guest responded: “Is it impossible for Biden to act normally? It seems so.”
“Pathetic,” radio host Lori Mills wrote of Biden's opening remarks while wiping her nose.
TRUMP ALLY MORENO RECEIVES NOEM'S ENDORSEMENT, RISE TO THE TOP OF OHIO REPUBLICAN COMPETITING TO UNSTAND DEMOCRAT SHERROD BROWN
RedState writer “Bonchie” posted: “Biden's appearance in East Palestine a year later is one of the dumbest political decisions I have ever seen. If he had gone immediately, he would have gotten ahead of Trump and avoided many protests due to severity.” of the situation. Now, he just looks like a clown.”
“Seriously, who runs this administration?” he added she.
Biden's visit was met with protesters who criticized the president's slow response and showed support for Trump.
“No one likes Biden,” the account representing commentator duo The Hodgetwins wrote in response to the video of protesters criticizing Biden.
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Fox News' Louis Casiano contributed to this report.
