Watch: White House says Biden has no issue drinking water during East Palestine visit

The president travels to the Ohio city a year after a freight train carrying hazardous materials was derailed in a freak accident that left the city’s local water contaminated.

US President Joe Biden drinks a glass of water during a stop at a candle shop called 1820 Candle Co. in East Palestine, Ohio on February 16, 2024. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden is traveling to East Palestine, Ohio, a year after a freight train carrying hazardous materials was derailed in a freak accident that left the town’s local water contaminated. Biden will tout his administration’s efforts to hold Norfolk Southern responsible for the environmental hazard. The president’s trip also sees him venturing into Republican territory as he crisscrosses around the country to sway votes for reelection in November. Ahead of the trip, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told the Grio that Biden had “no concerns about drinking the water” in the town following the town’s exposure to chemicals and hazardous waste. Jean-Pierre reminded that EPA Administrator Michael Regan drank the water during an earlier visit where he said, “I’m proud of East Palestine, a community that has embodied resilience, hope, and progress.” TheGrio’s Washington Bureau Chief and senior White House correspondent April D. Ryan reports.

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