‘You are not forgotten,’ Trump says during East Palestine visit

After a brief stop at Little Beaver Creek on Wednesday night, former President Donald Trump addressed East Palestine residents, telling them that they are not forgotten.

Trump arrived Wednesday afternoon at Youngstown/Warren Regional Airport. Before addressing the media, he met briefly at Little Beaver Creek with local leaders.

Although details of Trump’s visit were not made public, many of Trump’s supporters were present to cheer him on. Some supporters shouted, “We love Trump!” and “U.S.A.” !”

Trump spoke to a small number of first responders, local leaders and media members at the local fire station. Trump said that he will donate thousands of bottles of cleaning products and pallets full of bottled water to the region, which he collected through his Trump Organizations.

Trump was kind to Norfolk Southern and its dedication to the village.

“It means that the affected areas beyond East Palestine will be cared for, and they have said so. Trump stated that they have made it clear, and I believe they mean it.

Trump made a comment to his supporters, saying that “nobody” had ever been to East Palestine before he declared that he was going.

Trump was curious about why FEMA was reluctant to make a commitment to East Palestine. But he had a reason.

They changed their tune when I announced my arrival. Trump stated that it was “an amazing phenomenon.”

FEMA initially was not called for assistance. Members of FEMA arrived over the weekend.

Former President has voiced his disapproval at the Biden administration’s inaction at the federal level sooner.

Trump stated, “I hope that your representatives and all the politicians, including Biden, get back from touring Ukraine that they have some money left over.”

Trump was also joined in the East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway’s presence by Sen. JD Vance and Sen. Michael Rulli, as well as Representative Monica Robb Blasdel.

JD Vance spoke as well, stating that cleanup is far from complete and there’s much more to do.

Mayor Conaway thanked all first responders, particularly firefighters, for their assistance during the derailment. Conaway stated that although this was a difficult situation, he believes that EP will be strong again together.

East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick thanked Trump to provide the supplies. He also praised his fellow first responders as well as other agencies, such EMA, that stepped in to help.

Trump stopped by McDonald’s East Palestine before he left. He ordered food for firefighters and other staff members and handed out hats and a meal to others.

Trump denied that his administration had rolled back rail regulations. He also criticised Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s inability to visit the area sooner. Buttigieg will be visiting the area on Thursday.