Biden officials privately acknowledged cancer risks in East Palestine while publicly assuring residents they were safe following the toxic train derailment that devastated the Ohio community in February 2023. Internal government communications revealed that officials discussed potential “cancer clusters” while publicly claiming minimal health risks. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and other senior officials faced bipartisan criticism for their slow response to the crisis.
Delayed Federal Response Sparked Outrage
The February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, quickly evolved from a local disaster into a national controversy as residents and lawmakers from both parties criticized the Biden administration’s sluggish response. The incident involved approximately 50 freight train cars carrying hazardous materials, including cancer-causing vinyl chloride, which contaminated local air and water supplies. Evacuation orders followed as Norfolk Southern conducted a controlled burn of the chemicals, sending toxic plumes into the sky.
Despite mounting criticism, the White House publicly defended its response efforts. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insisted, “When these incidents happen, you need to let the emergency response take place. We did take action, and folks were on the ground.” However, residents expressed feeling abandoned as they grappled with contaminated homes, water supplies, and fears of long-term health effects.
🚨BREAKING: Newly uncovered emails reveal the Biden Administration deliberately covered up the health risks from the East Palestine train derailment.
They knew about the “cancer clusters” but told the public there was nothing to worry about. pic.twitter.com/A6pffY3nCH
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 31, 2025
Internal Communications Reveal Cancer Concerns
Documents obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests paint a troubling picture of what officials knew versus what they told the public. While EPA Administrator Michael Regan publicly reassured residents about air and water safety, internal communications told a different story. Federal officials privately acknowledged the possibility of cancer clusters developing in the community while publicly minimizing such risks.
One particularly damning email from FEMA official James McPherson stated bluntly, “The occurrence of a cancer cluster in EP [East Palestine] is not zero.” This contradicted the administration’s public messaging that residents faced minimal health risks from the chemical exposure. The EPA has maintained its position that extensive testing shows no current danger.
Watchdog groups have criticized these testing methods as flawed, using incorrect equipment and contractors while overlooking potential long-term health impacts. Environmental advocacy group Penn Environment’s David Masur captured the resulting public sentiment: “Because there have been so many missteps, you can understand that the public is skeptical.”
🚨BREAKING: Leaked Emails Reveal Biden Admin Knew About Cancer-Causing Toxins in East Palestine After 2023 Train Derailment — Contradicting White House Safety Claims.
Will accountability finally come? pic.twitter.com/8VjJCo3WqH
— Fan – Pam Bondi (@PamBondiNewsX) June 1, 2025
Community Left Struggling
As federal agencies and Norfolk Southern representatives cycled through town, East Palestine residents expressed feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for the disaster’s magnitude. Mayor Trent Conaway’s candid admission revealed the emotional toll on local officials: “I need help. I’m not ready for this. I wasn’t built for this.” The small town of approximately 4,700 residents suddenly faced complex environmental and public health challenges beyond local capacity.
While Norfolk Southern committed to covering cleanup costs and the federal government eventually reached a $310 million settlement with the railroad company, residents continue to worry about long-term health effects. Many have reported persistent symptoms like headaches, respiratory issues, and rashes since the derailment. Emails obtained from federal officials show discussions about identifying cancer clusters were still ongoing a year after the incident.
The derailment’s political fallout has been significant, with Republican lawmakers like Senator Ted Cruz declaring, “What happened in East Palestine is unacceptable.” Both parties criticized various aspects of the federal response, though they differ on proposed regulatory solutions. Republicans have focused on the administration’s delayed reaction, while Democrats have pushed for stronger rail safety regulations to prevent future disasters.