Paul Tonko, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing New York’s 20th district since 2009, has taken to social media to express his concerns on various pressing issues. Born in Amsterdam, New York, and a Clarkson University alumnus, Tonko provides critical perspectives on gun control and political actions by former President Trump.
On June 9, 2025, Tonko shared his views on gun legislation by stating that “The data is clear and devastating: weak gun laws kill kids. Gun control saves lives.” This statement underscores his stance on the importance of stringent gun laws to ensure public safety.
Later that day, he commented on Trump’s actions regarding protests in Los Angeles. He stated that “Trump’s deployment of active duty troops to suppress protests in Los Angeles is nothing more than an attempt to stoke violence and lay the groundwork for more abuses of power.” Tonko described this move as dictatorial and unsuitable for a democracy.
On June 10, 2025, Paul Tonko critiqued Trump’s decision-making by contrasting two events. He pointed out that Trump’s “Pardon [of] 1,500 violent insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol” juxtaposes with spending significant resources to counter protesters in Los Angeles. This tweet highlighted perceived inconsistencies in policy application under Trump’s administration.
Paul Tonko has represented New York’s 20th District since replacing Michael McNulty in 2009 and previously served in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2007.
