Ohio Politicians React to Biden’s Visit to East Palestine After One Year: ‘Too Little Too Late’

The small town of East Palestine, Ohio, was devastated by a major train derailment on February 3, 2023. The incident sparked calls for President Joe Biden to visit the community and offer support. However, it took the President over a year to announce his plans to visit. The delay in Biden’s visit has not gone unnoticed by Ohio politicians, who have expressed their disappointment and skepticism.

Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance took to Twitter to express his views, stating that Biden’s visit was purely political. “Biden visiting East Palestine at this point is pure politics,” he wrote. “What is he actually going to do for the people on the ground? That’s what matters, not political stunts.”

GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno also weighed in, accusing Biden of ignoring the community during its time of need. “Joe Biden refused to stand with the patriots of East Palestine when it really mattered,” he posted on Twitter. “He could have united our country by showing support to a right leaning community, but instead he ignored them. Now a year later, he’s showing up for a photo op to help his failing campaign.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office issued a statement to Fox News Digital, encouraging Biden to visit East Palestine. “Governor DeWine has always encouraged President Biden to visit East Palestine,” the statement read. “Actions of course speak louder than words, and the fact that it has taken Joe Biden so long to visit East Palestine is a sad reflection of his priorities.”

State Sen. Matt Dolan, who has been endorsed by several East Palestine officials, told Fox News Digital that it was important for Biden’s absence not to overshadow the hard work of local leaders and first responders. “It’s important that his absence does not obscure the hard work that has been done by local leaders, first responders and many others who have worked to demand accountability and results for the people of East Palestine,” he said.

Ohio GOP Senate candidate and Secretary of State Frank LaRose also criticized Biden, stating that his legacy on East Palestine and every issue facing the nation was “too little too late.” “We need leaders in Washington who will fight for the people of the Ohio Valley, and that’s what I’ll do on day one in the U.S. Senate,” he told Fox News Digital.

Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Jordan also expressed his disappointment, posting on Twitter, “Too late, President Biden. Ohioans deserve better.”

The White House announced on Wednesday that Biden would travel to East Palestine sometime in February to meet with residents, discuss Federal support to the community, and hold Norfolk Southern accountable. However, the delay in Biden’s visit has left a lasting impression on Ohio politicians and residents alike.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s decision to visit, stating that he had always said he would be there for as long as it took. “The president has been very clear, any time there is a situation that happens in a community that is devastated by, whether it’s a derailment or a natural disaster, obviously, the president says this all the time, he is there for that community for as long as it takes, and he’s proven that,” she told reporters on Wednesday.

Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at Fox News. He can be reached on Twitter @andymarkmiller and by email at AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.

The Ohio train derailment in East Palestine caused significant damage to the community and sparked calls for President Biden to visit. However, it took the President over a year to announce his plans to visit, leaving Ohio politicians and residents skeptical and disappointed. Biden’s visit is seen as a political stunt to help boost his failing campaign. Local leaders and first responders have worked tirelessly to demand accountability and results for the people of East Palestine. The White House has announced that Biden will travel to East Palestine sometime in February to meet with residents and discuss Federal support to the community. The delay in Biden’s visit has left a lasting impression on Ohio politicians and residents alike.