A significant moment for Donald Trump’s campaign occurred when he visited Columbiana County, Ohio, on February 23, 2023, to assess the damage from the East Palestine train derailment. According to Steven Cheung, who is set to become the White House communications director, this day was pivotal in steering the campaign towards success.
In February, a Norfolk Southern train carrying dangerous industrial chemicals, including vinyl chloride, derailed near the Pennsylvania border, causing severe disruption and lasting harm to the community. After the derailment, officials implemented a controlled burn, which released harmful toxins into the air.
On that day, Senator JD Vance, a Republican from Ohio, hosted Trump, who emphasized the plight of Americans overlooked by President Biden, who had yet to visit the area. Trump distributed branded water and engaged with local officials, while officials from both Ohio and Pennsylvania were actively seeking accountability from the railroad company.
A writer for the Washington Examiner, Selina Zito, highlighted that Trump’s appearance came at a low point for the Republican Party, following losses in the 2022 midterm elections. Despite this, Trump’s message resonated with residents, sparking a shift in political sentiment. One local farmer reported switching her party affiliation after hearing Trump address their concerns directly, stating she voted for him in subsequent elections.
Trump made it clear to the residents that too often, their “goodness and perseverance” had been met with indifference. His willingness to visit the affected area contrasted sharply with Biden’s delayed response, which further built support for Trump in the region.
Mike Pence, Trump’s former running mate, criticized Biden’s absence, labeling him as “AWOL” during this crisis and pointing out that Biden’s policies had negatively impacted the economy of East Palestine long before the derailment.
Additionally, both Ohio and Pennsylvania officials took quick action following the derailment, with Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro referring the matter for criminal investigation, while state Senator Doug Mastriano convened hearings to address the concerns of affected residents.
Amidst claims of a slow and flawed response from Biden’s administration, local leaders expressed frustration at the federal handling of the situation, emphasizing that the community was still grappling with the aftermath of the incident over a year later.
