Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing criticism for a phrase he used while speaking in East Palestine, Ohio.
While speaking to reporters, Buttigieg noted “misinformation injected into this situation” surrounding the trail derailment there earlier this month is not “to benefit of the community.”
“So I think …,” he began before pausing and sharing six words that would spark backlash.
He added, “I lost my train of thought.”
Watch the video below:
PETE BUTTIGIEG: "Sorry, I lost my train of thought." pic.twitter.com/ynz6RD0buv
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 23, 2023
Twitter users reacted quickly to his word choice as they argued it was insensitive in light of a train derailment.
Author Robert Spencer asked, “Is he mocking the victims of the train derailment?”
Is he mocking the victims of the train derailment? https://t.co/Eb04RJhn6c
— Robert Spencer (@jihadwatchRS) February 23, 2023
One user named Mint Chip suggested, “It would’ve been hilarious if he took a sip of Trump water after saying this.”
https://twitter.com/MintChipMusic/status/1628817917637804034
Podcast host Bradley Stein tweeted, “We’ve now wandered into the South Park realm of the multiverse…”
We’ve now wandered into the South Park realm of the multiverse… https://t.co/TLs8lgor4k
— Bradley Stein (@_BradleyStein_) February 23, 2023
Conservative strategist Greg Price chimed in, “He had what is known as a brain derailment.”
He had what is known as a brain derailment https://t.co/Stg2IZ0Rb3
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 23, 2023
“He derailed,” wrote conservative commentator Stephen Miller.
He derailed. https://t.co/BkZsVFH0BS
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) February 23, 2023
Buttigieg was also asked if he believed it was a mistake not to visit the town sooner.
“What I tried to do was balance two things: my desire to be involved and engaged and on the ground, which is how I’m generally wired to act, and my desire to follow the norm,” he responded.