President Joe Biden’s Friday visit to East Palestine, Ohio was predictably met by a line of angry residents. Biden was welcomed not with the usual fanfare reserved for a sitting president, but with a chorus of boos and a sea of signs bearing a stark message: “Too Little, Too Late.”
The small town of East Palestine has become a focal point of national attention for a community feeling neglected and overlooked in their time of need. The message served as a reminder of the delay in the administration’s response to the town’s crises and the deep-seated feeling among the residents that their concerns have been sidelined in favor of broader political agendas.
The residents, many of whom have called the place home for generations, used the president’s visit to express their profound disappointment, as chants of “Let’s go Brandon!” echoed down the street.
This was the first time Biden has visited East Palestine since the natural disaster following the derailment of the Norfolk Southern train in February of 2023.
WATCH:
Amidst the backdrop of discontent on Friday, there were calls for a return to leadership that prioritizes American interests above all.
A notable undercurrent of support for former President Donald Trump was palpable, with residents openly expressing a desire to see a leader who puts “America First” back in the Oval Office.
East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway firmly stood by his critique of Biden’s response, or lack thereof, to the tragedy.
In a statement that originally made waves after the incident, Conaway suggested that the most fitting time for President Biden to visit East Palestine would be in February 2025, implying that such a visit would be more appropriate for a book tour – suggesting a Trump victory – rather than a meaningful engagement with the town’s urgent needs in the aftermath of the disaster.
REACTIONS:
Loud and clear
— Dalon Pobran (@mtbigskylife) February 16, 2024
This has to be the first time in history that a Presidential visit was a Friday afternoon news dump
— Bob Paine (@bpaine888) February 16, 2024
Don’t sniff me 😂🤣they best sign..
— GreatLakesLady (@GreatlakesladyM) February 16, 2024
Made my day. Thank you 🙏🏻
— Lisa (@LisaAm1st) February 16, 2024
Don’t sniff me! 🤣🤣🤣
— Rangersgirl57 (@rangersgirl57) February 16, 2024
