As East Palestine, Ohio reels from the aftermath of a train wreck and toxic gas cloud, the citizens have been crying out for help. In response to their cries for assistance, former President Donald Trump announced that he would be visiting the town on Wednesday. Unfortunately, despite residents’ pleas for aid, President Joe Biden will not be providing any support to East Palestine as his schedule does not permit a visit – leaving the community in need without assistance from the federal government.
It was only after Trump announced his intention to visit East Palestine that the Biden administration abruptly changed its position on FEMA providing aid to the town. However, this quick solution appears to be nothing more than an attempt by the White House to counterbalance Trump’s presence in East Palestine and distract from his show of support for those in need. Even so, it is clear that if it were not for Trump’s intervention, this small town and its residents would still be waiting on help from Washington DC.
The effects of the train crash are still being felt throughout East Palestine; following their evacuation and subsequent return home, many residents have been suffering from rashes and headaches related to their exposure to hazardous substances released during the accident. While these symptoms may seem minor compared with other public health issues facing America today, they cannot be ignored. The people of East Palestine deserve recognition and aid from their government as they continue to struggle with medical issues due to an event beyond their control.
Unfortunately, while former President Trump has demonstrated his commitment to helping all Americans by personally visiting communities like East Palestine in need of assistance, current President Joe Biden has failed thus far in providing similar support. Instead of responding quickly when called upon by those who need help most urgently – such as those living in small towns across America who lack access to resources – he has chosen instead to prioritize other international engagements such as his upcoming trip to Europe as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate. The message these decisions send is clear: under a Biden presidency, some Americans will be left behind with no relief or recourse available from Washington DC.
Rather than shrugging off requests for assistance from those struggling in our own backyard while jet-setting abroad at taxpayer expense, President Joe Biden should take a page out of former President Donald Trump’s book by traveling directly into communities in need and doing what he can without delay – because every American deserves support when tragedy strikes regardless of where they live or how severe their plight might appear on paper.
