EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) – Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited East Palestine, Ohio, on Thursday to visit the site of a train that broke down nearly three weeks ago as the administration faces criticism over the federal response to the derailment.
The Biden White House has defended its response to the derailment, saying officials from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Transportation Safety Board and other agencies were at the rural site within hours of the derailment. The White House said it is also providing federal assistance and that FEMA is coordinating with state emergency operations centers and other partners.
Buttigieg has faced criticism for not visiting the site earlier, including from former President Donald Trump, who arrived in Ohio on Wednesday.
The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report on Thursday on the derailment.