Biden White House insisted families were safe after toxic East Palestine derailment — but behind the scenes, admin warned of ‘cancer cluster’
From the Right
AllSides Media Bias Rating: Right
The Biden administration admitted possible cancer-causing toxins were spread in East Palestine, Ohio, following the Norfolk Southern train derailment in 2023, explosive new emails show, despite the White House insisting residents were safe.
“The occurrence of a cancer-cluster in EP [East Palestine] is not zero,” FEMA recovery leader James McPherson wrote in a March 29, 2024, email to other public health officials — a little more than a year after the crash.
“As you all are aware, the first 48 hours of the fire created a really toxic plume,” he said in the chain of communications, which were first reported by NewsNation.
Check for Bias
The AI-powered AllSides Bias Checker instantly reveals the bias of a news article. Tap the button to use.
Related Coverage
AllSides Picks
Headline Roundup
SCOTUS Rules In Favor Of Roundup Weedkiller; Outlets Highlight MAHA Dissent
June 26th, 2026
Youth Voices
State Mandates Capping Insulin Costs: A Help or Hindrance?
The Alliance for Civic Engagement
June 15th, 2026
Red Blue Translator