Former President Donald Trump traveled to the site of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, on Wednesday in an apparent effort to shore up support in a district where he is strong while also undercutting his chief political rival, President Joe Biden.
The trip is one of his first major out-of-state forays since announcing his 2024 presidential campaign in November 2022.
OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: BIDEN CHECKS IN ON EAST PALESTINE CLEANUP FROM POLAND
Trump won Columbiana County, where East Palestine is located, with more than 70% of the vote in the 2020 general election, yet he currently trails Gov. Ron DeSantis (R‑FL) in numerous head-to-head Republican primary polls, even though DeSantis has yet to announce his own 2024 candidacy. Trump consistently polls as the top Republican in polls assessing a crowded primary field.
Trump’s campaign confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the former president would d …