President Joe Biden departed the White House Friday en route to Delaware for the 66th time since taking office this weekend, which drew criticism from the Republican National Committee (RNC).
According to the RNC, Biden has spent approximately 40 percent of his presidency “on vacation,” with this weekend marking his 306th, 307th, and 308th total vacation days. Of that 40 percent, the RNC noted that Biden has spent 55 of 110 weekends in Delaware.
Another weekend vacation in Delaware for Joe Biden.
Biden has spent 306 days — 40% of his presidency — on vacation. pic.twitter.com/ppgttq5Qfw
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 4, 2023
“For Biden, it’s vacation first, the American people last,” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. “One month after the toxic train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, Biden is heading out on yet another weekend trip after already spending eight days on vacation since the derailment. Leadership shows up, Biden does not.”
As noted by McDaniel, Biden’s weekend trip to Delaware comes as the president has yet to step foot in East Palestine, Ohio, where a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed more than one month ago.
On Thursday, Biden told reporters he would visit East Palestine “at some point.”
MARCH 2: Almost one month later, Biden finally says he’ll visit East Palestine “at some point” — but refuses to say when.pic.twitter.com/YaeAjRjS98
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 2, 2023
However, when confronted about Biden’s remarks, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, “I don’t have any trips to preview for you at this time.”
Reporter: Biden "was asked about East Palestine … he said 'I will be there soon.' Is there a plan for him to go?"
Karine Jean-Pierre: "I don't have any trips to preview for you at this time." pic.twitter.com/sSPs01Dsz8
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 2, 2023
Meanwhile, in Ohio, the state’s Senate held its first hearing on the toxic train derailment in East Palestine this week. The Senate’s Special Committee on Rail Safety questioned the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) leaders.
In addition, as cleanup continues at the derailment site in East Palestine, a union spokesperson for workers who build and maintain railways for Norfolk Southern revealed in a letter that those who assisted in the derailment cleanup have continued to experience migraines and nausea.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network.
