The White House said it would hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the 150-car train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made the declaration in a Thursday press conference amid criticism that the White House has been slow to respond to the crisis. Her remarks came two weeks after the derailment.
OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: RUBIO DEMANDS BIDEN FIRE BUTTIGIEG
The mayor of East Palestine said he heard from the White House for the first time this week.
Jean-Pierre began by defending the Biden administration’s conduct, saying that although not making public declarations about it, the administration has been going to great efforts to handle the disaster.
“Multiple federal agencies have been on the ground working … to get to the bottom of what caused the derailment, monitoring air quality, collecting soil samples, testing surface and groundwater for any contaminants,” Jean-Pierre said.
“We understand the residents are concerned as they should be … and we’re going to try to figure out an answer,” she continued. “We’re going to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.”
Jean-Pierre then deferred to local officials for further answers. “Our message to folks in Ohio in that area is to listen to your state and local officials,” she said.
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The White House’s response to the Ohio train derailment has garnered harsh criticism across the political spectrum, particularly directed toward Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, whom critics argue has been too slow to respond.
On Thursday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) demanded that President Joe Biden fire Buttigieg over his “gross level of incompetence and apathy.”
