(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) Trent R. Conaway, the mayor of East Palestine, Ohio, endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race, and called out President Joe Biden for neglecting the town after the catastrophic train derailment in early February.
According to Breitbart, Conaway made the officials statement Wednesday at the Lincoln Day dinner in Columbiana, Ohio, where Donald Trump Jr. introduced him.
“I would first like to thank Joe Biden and Hunter Biden for visiting the town—oh, that’s right, they were busy,” Conaway joked.
Continuing, Conaway explained that Trump’s visit brought some desperately needed media attention and donations to assist with the cleanup of the hazardous toxic spill that resulted from the derailment.
“They realized that we needed help,” the mayor said.
“We’ve been asking for help, and we had the EPA there and other agencies, but we truly got help after [Trump] visited, so we thank you,” he added. “Without you, this could have been different, so we thank you.”
Conaway also thanked Don Jr. for his family’s support, saying it “really changed things.”
“And that’s why, in 2024, I will support your father’s reelection,” the mayor added.
Trump visited the troubled town after a Norfolk Southern train derailed, spilling massive amounts of destructive chemicals and releasing toxins into the groundwater and air.
Citizens were evacuated, but some experts speculate that the chemicals will affect the town for decades to come.
The former president currently holds a massive heading in the primary field, with a 32 point lead over any other Republican primary hopefuls including official and unannounced candidates.
Trump received 53% support among registered Republican primary voters; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has yet to announce his candidacy, received 21% support.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, former cabinet official Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy all trailed behind in the single digits.
Since his visit to the Midwestern town, Trump’s support rose by 10% while DeSantis has seen slow decline by 7%.
“At the moment, Trump’s position in the Republican contest is only marginally worse than Biden’s position in the Democratic contest,” Republican pollster Daron Shaw said. “That’s likely to change, but it underscores the reticence of partisans on either side to risk moving away from the frontrunner.”
Trump’s favorability rating among Republicans remained at a steady 80%.
