Capital District Times

Paul Tonko, a U.S. Congressman representing New York's 20th district, has taken to social media to express his concerns over recent political developments. His tweets cover issues ranging from budget cuts affecting millions of Americans to executive orders targeting the LGBTQIA+ community.

On February 6, 2025, Tonko tweeted about his opposition to proposed funding cuts by Elon Musk and his allies. He stated, "Elon Musk and his allies want to slash funding for programs that support millions of Americans. They have no business accessing government payment systems and Americans’ sensitive data." Tonko further mentioned that he had joined colleagues in seeking answers from Treasury Secretary Bessent.

Later that day, Tonko shared another tweet detailing an event outside the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He wrote, "I joined my colleagues and advocates outside @EPA to demand a meeting with DOGE about the impact Trump & Elon Musk's cuts will have on public health & the environment." Despite being denied entry, Tonko affirmed their commitment to defending science and protecting communities.

On February 7, 2025, Paul Tonko addressed actions by the Trump administration targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. In his tweet, he stated, "Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration has targeted the LGBTQIA+ community with a series of cruel executive orders – attacking fundamental rights, fueling division, and ignoring reality." He asserted that many of these actions violate constitutional and federal laws.