Capital District Times

Paul Tonko, a U.S. Congressman representing New York's 20th district, has expressed his concerns through a series of tweets addressing various political issues. His statements reflect his stance on actions taken by prominent figures and administrations that he believes threaten essential services and research funding.

On February 8, 2025, Paul Tonko tweeted about Elon Musk and associates' alleged efforts to undermine government operations. He stated: "Elon Musk and his cronies have launched an all-out assault on our government – dismantling whole agencies, threatening essential services, and forcing out dedicated public servants." He invited readers to learn more about his counteractions in his newsletter.

Two days later, on February 10, 2025, Tonko addressed the Trump Administration's proposed budget cuts affecting institutions in New York's 20th district. He tweeted: "The Trump Administration wants to gut funding to our NY-20 institutions that conduct research into cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's & more. Cutting these funds isn’t just unacceptable—it’s unlawful. We must protect research that saves lives! #FundNIH"

Later the same day, Tonko commented on the administration's approach towards immigrant communities. He shared resources for immigrants to understand their rights amidst what he described as escalating attacks: "With the Trump administration escalating its attacks on immigrant communities, it’s more important than ever to know your rights. That’s why I’ve created a page on my website with key information to help you protect yourself and your loved ones."