"The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told Ohio's state government that it was not eligible for disaster assistance."

By Kyle Becker - February 17, 2023

The Biden administration is rejecting a request for federal disaster assistance from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in the aftermath of the train derailment and ecological disaster that has devastated the area around East Palestine, Ohio.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) told Ohio's state government that it was not eligible for disaster assistance, a spokesperson for DeWine told Fox News Digital on Thursday.

The Dewine spokeseman explained that FEMA believed the incident qualified as a traditional disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, for which it usually provides assistance.

"The DeWine Administration has been in daily contact with FEMA to discuss the need for federal support, however FEMA continues to tell Governor DeWine that Ohio is not eligible for assistance at this time," DeWine's office said in an earlier statement. "Governor DeWine will continue working with FEMA to determine what assistance can be provided."

FEMA merely said its team is in constant communication with DeWine's office, but did not remark on the disaster relief.

"FEMA is in constant contact with the emergency operations center in East Palestine and with the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. We are closely coordinating with EPA, HHS, and the CDC, who are helping to test water and air quality, and to conduct public health assessments," FEMA spokesperson Jeremy Edwards told Fox News Digital.

Rogan O'Handley had his own theory on why the Biden administration won't lift a finger to help the Ohio residents.

"Just in case you were wondering why Biden and Buttigieg are ignoring the toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio," O'Handley remarked. "Columbiana County voted 71.7% for Trump in 2020."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg actually had the gall to blame the Trump administration for the train derailment, while claiming he was powerless to do more to prevent it . . .

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