Donald Trump Brought McDonald's And His Own Water To The Ohio Train Derailment
Two weeks ago, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, caused all residents within one mile of the accident to retreat to a safe area. Per USA Today, 10 of the 20 cars carrying hazardous materials had derailed, leading to a dangerous chemical fire with an explosion possible. "We've had a drastic change in the chemical inside the tank cars that we've been concerned about and watching all day, the vinyl chloride. We are at a risk now of a catastrophic failure of that container," East Palestine Fire Department Chief Keith Drabick said in a press conference (per Denver 7).
Thankfully, with quick thinking, officials were able to prevent an explosion. According to USA Today, they instead led a controlled chemical release, which, while avoiding train pieces from flying, still didn't prevent a huge plume of smoke from releasing into the air. As reported by CNN, experts revealed at a town hall that water and air quality had returned to normal. Wary residents didn't believe this, however, with one stating, "If you have a train near you or a waterway near you, this is a problem for you too." Because the water may not be up to standard, former President Donald Trump made his way to town to donate his own, but not without criticism from many on Twitter. He also showed up with orders from McDonald's.
Twitter was quick to praise and condemn the politician
Former President Donald Trump made a stop on Wednesday in East Palestine, Ohio, to make a speech and drop off thousands of Trump-branded water bottles, among ones of other brands (via CNN). According to New York Post, he also made a trip to McDonald's to pick up food for area first responders and guests dining in the restaurant. To highlight his well-known love of the eatery, Trump joked, "So, I know this menu better than you do. I probably know it better than anybody in here."
Some Twitter users were quick to share their beliefs that Trump is hypocritical. "Remember who is to blame for the disaster that happened in East Palestine, OH," one person tweeted. "No number of water bottles distributed will change the fact that Trump caused this." Under their comment, they shared a Trump tweet from 2017: "I am continuing to get rid of costly and unnecessary regulations," which apparently referenced changes in laws about train operation. Another Twitter user condemned Trump for his water donation. "... he goes to East Palestine and brings them Trump Water that might actually be at least 13 years old (the business went under in 2010)? Got it," he wrote.
On the other hand, there was positive feedback under one tweet showing Trump purchasing McDonald's. Responses read, "[He's a] man that will fight for hard working Americans others have forgotten," and "He is unlike any politician or president in modern history."
Donald Trump speaks on Joe Biden's absence
During his East Palestine, Ohio speech, Donald Trump made his thoughts clear regarding the crisis response from White House politicians. According to AP News, Trump said the people need "answers and results," and that local residents have been betrayed by the current administration. "In too many cases, your goodness and perseverance were met with indifference and betrayal," he said. Upon hearing his words, one lady in attendance thanked him "for not forgetting about" them.
East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway felt similarly, as expressed in a video posted by Fox News. After President Joe Biden made the news for visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the capital of Kyiv, Conaway spoke out, calling his actions "the biggest slap in the face." "That tells you right now he doesn't care about us," he said. "On Presidents' Day in our country, he's over in Ukraine, so that tells you what kind of guy he is."
Goya Foods among the companies helping locals after the train derailment
Regardless of politician influence, many companies are jumping in to help the people affected by the train derailment. Goya Foods have provided residents with ready-made meals and water, according to Fox Business. "The products that we produce around the country, beans, are a very important, nutritious staple. So we figured we'd provide food to this community, which already contains water," Goya Foods CEO Bob Unanue said. The CEO has previously supported Donald Trump, which has led consumers to boycott the company, according to CNN. Coca-Cola has also provided clean drinking water, as many in the area question the state of tap water in East Palestine. Per WKYC Studios, the soda corporation sent two pallets of Dasani to the state.
On top of this, the Salvation Army went above and beyond delivering meals to residents and first responders, including 192 meals, 679 snacks, 6,406 cases of water, and 393 drinks. A local charity has stepped up as well, also providing bottled water, food, and basic needs. Though it's uncertain when conditions in East Palestine will return to normal, at least the locals have American support to help them through the tough time.