A month after taking office, Senator J.D. Vance capitalized on the East Palestine train derailment, aligning with Donald Trump and criticizing the Biden administration’s response.
Ian Duncan reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Vance joined Trump in East Palestine, emphasizing their populist stance and criticizing the Biden administration for a weak response.
- Vance's advocacy following the derailment led to his selection as Trump’s running mate, highlighting his push for railroad safety legislation.
- The incident cemented Vance’s image as a champion for rural, conservative communities overlooked by coastal elites.
Key quote:
"The residents of East Palestine are not the type of people who elicit the sympathy of the bicoastal elite: They’re too white, too rural, and too conservative."
— J.D. Vance, Senator
Why this matters:
Vance, who campaigned on a platform of populism and aligning with Trump’s policy perspectives, took a combative stance, accusing the current administration of neglect and slow response. His vocal criticism reflects a broader political strategy aimed at consolidating support among Trump’s base while positioning himself as a staunch advocate for Ohioans affected by the disaster.
