Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg drew attention on Tuesday when he declined to respond to a journalist's inquiries about the crisis in East Palestine, Ohio, before bizarrely asking to take a photo of the reporter.
While walking outside in Washington, D.C., reporter Jennie Taer introduced herself to Buttigieg, identified her affiliation with the Daily Caller News Foundation, and inquired about what he had to say to the suffering people of East Palestine, Ohio, who were dealing with the aftermath of a hazardous train derailment that released dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere.
Buttigieg suggested that Taer should get in touch with his press office to arrange an interview, stating that he had already given about a dozen interviews that day.
He refused to have a conversation with Taer, telling her that he was merely strolling down the street and taking personal time. Taer did not cease her attempts, however.
When Taer asked if he had a message for the Ohio residents, Buttigieg responded that he had shared his thoughts with the press numerous times that day, but would not share them again because he was taking personal time.
Taer inquired if Buttigieg planned to visit the town, to which he reached for his phone and asked if he could take a picture of her. The incident was captured on video, which Taer posted online and rapidly went viral with 1.6 million views overnight.
Media critic Steve Krakauer criticized Buttigieg's response, stating that it was strange and demonstrated the current administration's contempt for journalists. He tweeted, "This is totally weird, and shows the current administration's disdain for journalists. Imagine if Elaine Chao did this during the Trump administration. Let's see if the corporate press colleagues speak out on behalf of a reporter doing her job."
The Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train derailed on February 3, but it wasnt until three days later that officials conducted a controlled burn of the toxins in order to prevent an explosion.
Following the burn, toxic fumes such as vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, and phosgene contaminated the air in East Palestine, leading to widespread criticism of the Biden administration and Buttigieg for their management of the crisis.
Fox News host Sean Hannity slammed Buttigieg's performance as Transportation Secretary, referring to him as "Pothole Pete" and suggesting that he was M.I.A. during the Ohio environmental disaster.
Buttigieg's press office has yet to respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital, including why he wanted to take a photo of the reporter. The incident raises concerns about the current administration's treatment of the press and calls for accountability for the crisis in Ohio.
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