Capital District Times

Paul Tonko, a U.S. Congressman representing New York's 20th district since 2009, has recently expressed his views on social media regarding significant political actions proposed by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. Tonko's statements address issues concerning the Department of Education and Social Security Administration.

On March 20, 2025, Paul Tonko criticized former President Trump's initiative to dismantle the Department of Education. He stated that "It isn't just that Trump's attempt to eliminate the Department of Education is illegal. It would end public education as we know it, gut programs for students, and put added burdens on teachers & parents." Tonko emphasized the importance of opposing this action for the future of children.

The following day, March 21, 2025, Tonko participated in a rally with Social Security employees and community members outside the Schenectady office of the Social Security Administration. He declared his opposition to interference from Trump and Musk in Social Security matters by stating "Today, I joined @SocialSecurity employees and members of our community at a rally outside the Schenectady office of the Social Security Administration to tell Donald Trump and Elon Musk to keep their hands off our hard-earned Social Security benefits."

Additionally, on March 21, 2025, he voiced concerns over proposed cuts by Trump and Musk to staffing and benefits at SSA. According to Tonko "Trump and Musk’s proposed cuts to staffing and benefits at SSA will lead to shuttered offices, significant job losses, longer wait times, and decreased payments for seniors across our nation. I will never stop fighting to protect the benefits the American people have earned."