During a recent interview, Ben Bergquam revealed the following information about the disaster that continues in East Palestine, PA:
- Norfolk Southern has not fully compensated East Palestine residents for the catastrophic train derailment.
- The Vice President repeatedly vowed, “We’re going to hold them accountable,” but residents are still waiting.
- The company promised $70,000 per household, but payments are reduced by prior assistance and prorated by age—some elderly residents receive as little as $9,000.
- The community feels abandoned by local and federal officials, looking instead to President Trump and JD Vance for action.
- The EPA, pressured by Norfolk Southern, ordered the burn-off of chemicals, causing one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.
- Toxic plumes spread across multiple states and into Canada, with unknown long-term health consequences.
- Residents continue to suffer symptoms, and many fear for their future.
Norfolk Southern’s promises remain unfulfilled. Dan Bell of One American News Network and Ben Bergquam exposed the harsh reality: the company has not delivered on its commitments.
“The bottom line,” Bell said, “is this train company hasn’t paid up.”
Despite assurances that homes and businesses would be covered, Norfolk Southern is shortchanging victims. Compensation is misleading—if residents received temporary housing, that amount is deducted from their payout.
“If they gave you six months of an apartment because you couldn’t live in your home, you have to pay that back out of the $70,000,” Bergquam explained.
Worst of all, elderly residents get the least.
“A 92-year-old man in town was only offered $9,000,” Bergquam revealed. “It’s a slap in the face.”
Residents feel abandoned by leadership at every level.
“They need to pay for this,” Bell emphasized. “There’s no leadership here. Not from local officials. Not from the federal government.”
Now, many are looking to President Trump and JD Vance for real action.
Beyond financial struggles, the town faces an ongoing health crisis. The EPA, heavily influenced by Norfolk Southern, made a devastating call: burning off the chemicals.
“They decided to do the most catastrophic, uncontrolled environmental burn in American history,” Bergquam said.
The toxic plume spread across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and into Canada.
“What we do know,” Bergquam added, “is that people are still getting sick.”
He experiences symptoms every time he visits.
“I can’t imagine living there with my family,” he admitted.
East Palestine’s 5,000 residents were promised accountability. They received excuses instead.
They are still waiting for justice.
Watch: