Trump accuses Biden of 'indifference and betrayal' in response to Ohio hazmat train disaster

By Darren Lyn

HOUSTON, US (AA) - Former US President Donald Trump took a swipe at President Joe Biden on Wednesday, accusing him of inadequately responding to the Ohio hazmat trail derailment in the village of East Palestine on Feb. 3.

Speaking at a news conference in East Palestine, where he helped deliver water and supplies to residents, he praised the community and the first responders to the accident.

“Unfortunately, as you know, in too many cases, your goodness and perseverance were met with indifference and betrayal in some cases,” he said.

“And Biden and FEMA said they would not send aid to East Palestine under any circumstance."

Trump accused Biden and FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, of dragging their feet in providing crucial aid to the community immediately following the disaster, which led to the release of toxic chemicals into the environment and forced hundreds to evacuate their homes.

“When I announced that I was coming, they changed their tune. It was an amazing phenomenon,” said Trump, who added that he “opened up the dam and we got them to move.”

Biden and his administration have come under fire for not traveling to East Palestine sooner, but the train derailment of hazardous materials also highlighted Trump’s own regulatory and environmental policies, including past efforts by Republicans, including Trump, to loosen regulations on railway safety and curb the federal government’s ability to respond to chemical spills.

The White House was quick to point that out Wednesday following Trump's accusations.

“Congressional Republicans laid the groundwork for the Trump administration to tear up requirements for more effective train brakes, and last year, most House Republicans wanted to defund our ability to protect drinking water,” said deputy White House press secretary Andrew Bates in a statement.

Biden’s Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will travel to East Palestine on Thursday, where he is expected to meet with community members and receive an update on the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the derailment.