- Buttigieg met National Transportation Safety Board investigators at the site
- Transportation Secretary has faced intense criticism for his response
- Comes 24 hours after Trump told residents they had been betrayed
- READ MORE: Trump goes to McDonald’s during visit to East Palestine
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg finally visited East Palestine on Thursday, 20 days after the train derailment that has left the Ohio community reeling and begging for answers from the Biden administration.
The former mayor donned a hard hart as he toured the site with investigators, a day after Donald Trump told the locals they had been betrayed by the federal government.
Buttigieg has faced an intense backlash from both Republicans and Democrats for his slow response to the disaster that has prompted fears the release of toxic chemicals will lead to long-term illnesses.
He spoke to National Transportation Safety Board investigators on the side of the tracks, 24 hours after Trump handed out water and food to residents and praised the courage of first responders.
In a tweet on Thursday morning, Buttigieg wrote: ‘This morning I’m in East Palestine, Ohio, to see the site of the Norfolk Southern derailment, hear updates from investigators, and meet first responders. USDOT will continue its work to ensure safety and accountability’.
In the face of mounting criticism, Buttigieg has blamed the Trump administration and rail companies for undermining safety regulations he says lead to the crash.
