Trump Administration Vows Long-Term Support for East Palestine Recovery

Cleanup efforts and health studies continue three years after Norfolk Southern train derailment.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have made supporting the recovery of East Palestine, Ohio, a priority since the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment. While the community faces a long road ahead, the administration has taken steps to improve rail safety, fund environmental cleanup efforts, and launch a long-term health study to address residents' concerns about toxic exposure.

Why it matters

The East Palestine disaster highlighted the need for stronger regulations and oversight of the rail industry to prevent future accidents. The Trump administration's response demonstrates a commitment to supporting affected communities and ensuring the long-term wellbeing of East Palestine residents.

The details

The administration has enacted new rail safety provisions, increased inspections, and collected record fines for safety violations. The EPA has also overseen the removal of over 69,000 samples of waste from the derailment site. A $10 million, 5-year health study launched by the Department of Health and Human Services is aimed at addressing residents' concerns about long-term effects of toxic exposure.

  • The Norfolk Southern train derailment occurred in 2023.
  • President Trump visited East Palestine just days after the derailment, weeks before then-President Biden.
  • Vice President Vance's first trip of 2025 was to East Palestine to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the tragedy.
  • The three-year anniversary of the derailment is on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former president who made supporting East Palestine a key campaign promise and has directed his administration to provide long-term assistance to the community.

Vice President JD Vance

The Ohio native who has been a vocal advocate for East Palestine, visiting the community and pushing for federal support and oversight.

Norfolk Southern

The rail company responsible for the 2023 train derailment, which has been ordered by the EPA to oversee the extensive cleanup efforts in East Palestine.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who launched a $10 million, 5-year study to address East Palestinians' concerns about long-term health impacts from toxic exposure.

Sean Duffy

The Transportation Secretary who has implemented new rail safety measures and approved the testing of automated inspection technologies.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, I think the Norfolk Southern derailment will have changed East Palestine forever. That's what they're most worried about.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (Washington Examiner)

What’s next

The White House has not yet announced any specific plans to commemorate the three-year anniversary of the East Palestine disaster, but administration officials have vowed to maintain their long-term commitment to supporting the community's recovery.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's response to the East Palestine disaster demonstrates a willingness to use the full power of the federal government to support affected communities, even years after a crisis occurs. This approach contrasts with criticisms of past administrations' perceived indifference, and sets a precedent for how future presidents can prioritize long-term recovery efforts.