After an Amtrak train derailed in Washington state on Monday, killing at least six people, President Trump used the event in a tweet as an example of why lawmakers should approve his infrastructure plan.
The train accident that just occurred in DuPont, WA shows more than ever why our soon to be submitted infrastructure plan must be approved quickly. Seven trillion dollars spent in the Middle East while our roads, bridges, tunnels, railways (and more) crumble! Not for long!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017
Trump was swiftly criticized, as many people pointed out he did not address the six dead in the tweet.
What about the victims? https://t.co/bKccPqbYKn
— Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) December 18, 2017
However, 10 minutes later, Trump followed up with another post — although it did not seem to appease some.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the train accident in DuPont, Washington. Thank you to all of our wonderful First Responders who are on the scene. We are currently monitoring here at the White House.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 18, 2017
Trump's reaction to Amtrak train derailment: First, use the train accident to call attention to your infrastructure proposals. Second, express concern for the victims. pic.twitter.com/xMxotYXCkD
— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) December 18, 2017
A US official had also told reporters shortly before Trump’s tweet that preliminary signs indicate the train may have struck something on the track before derailing, leading some to question Trump’s highlighting infrastructure issues.
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Word of caution here. 6 people are dead. No evidence yet that today's derailment was related to infrastructure. We're looking into it for sure. This was a brand new line. *New* infrastructure. https://t.co/eFW6e14fpf
— Jon Humbert (@jonhumbert) December 18, 2017
Others slammed Trump for politicizing the event.