Biden speaks in East Palestine for 6 minutes, takes no questions after avoiding site of toxic train derailment for 1 year

Biden spoke for just 6 minutes, and took no questions.

He said his administration "was on the ground within hours working closely with the governor, the mayor, the Senators, House members, community leaders, to make sure you have everything you need."

Biden applauded the "Herculean efforts" that have been underway in East Palestine since the derailment, and said that the work in the town is "not done yet."

He said "I want to continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable, and make sure they make your community whole now and in the future, and what they do not make whole, what they cannot make whole ... the government will make whole."

Biden said that the tragedy was "100 percent preventable," and was an "act of greed."

Biden announced the awarding of six National Institute of Health grants to study the long-term effects of the disaster, which left a black cloud of smoke lingering over the town and nearby area after workers set fire to some of the rail cars.

He expressed his support for the bipartisan rail safety bill, and urged the passing of the tax reform bill "which makes sure that folks don’t get hit with a surprise tax bill for compensation owed them by the railroad."

Residents of East Palestine made it known that Biden was not welcome there, lining the streets with pro-Trump and American flags. Residents said his visit was "too little too late."

Trump visited the town soon after the incident, garnering him an endorsement from Trent R. Conaway, the Mayor of East Palestine.