Former President Donald Trump brought hope and much-needed supplies to East Palestine, Ohio, on Wednesday as he promised the embattled community its needs would be forgotten no more.
âWe have told you loud and clear: You are not forgotten,â Trump said during his visit, according to NBC. âWe stand with you, we pray for you, and we will stay with you and your fight to help the accountability that you deserve.â
The community has been reeling in the aftermath of a Feb. 3 train derailment and subsequent fire that left a toxic cloud over the town. Although residents were told it was safe to return, many have complained of headaches and rashes.
The incident has been a flashpoint for critics of the Biden administration, who have said the town should have received a better and faster response from federal agencies.
During his visit, Trump â whose penchant for McDonaldâs food is well known â went to the local McDonaldâs before he left in a gesture of support for first responders.
âWhatâs your specialty today? ⌠So I know this menu better than you do, OK? I probably know it better than anybody in here,â Trump said as he reached the counter of a McDonaldâs restaurant, according to a video clip posted to Twitter.
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âWeâre gonna take care of the fire department. Weâre gonna take care of the police department,â Trump said.
âWeâll take care of everything,â he said, adding that everyone with him at the McDonaldâs would also get a free meal.
âWe brought the federal government with us because when they heard I was coming, they all came. They werenât going to come. They were going to leave you abandoned, and now theyâre not,â Trump said.
Trump was referring to the fact that initially, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had said there was nothing it could do for the town but changed that ruling after Trump announced last week he was visiting East Palestine.
âThey were intending to do absolutely nothing for you,â Trump later said during a speech at the firehouse, according to NBC.
âWhat this community needs now are not excuses and all of the other things youâve been hearing, but answers and results,â Trump said Wednesday. âAnd thatâs what I think youâre going to see.â
During his visit to McDonaldâs, Trump was asked about President Joe Biden heading to Europe instead of visiting East Palestine.
âWell, I think he should have come here. I think he should have been here,â Trump said.
Trump assured residents âit will be safe soonâ with FEMAâs arrival.
Trump, who is running for the Republican nomination for president in 2024, also passed out his signature âMake America Great Againâ hats to bystanders.
Joy Mascher, owner of Flowers Straight from the Heart, said Trumpâs visit was a morale booster for a neglected community.
âI mean, at least heâs bringing attention. I havenât heard anything from Biden,â she said, according to NBC.
âI donât think enough has been addressed by the railroad, by the state or the federal government,â she said.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.
