On March 5, 2025, the American Waterways Operators released the following statement commending President Trump's Executive Order on Shipbuilding as announced during his Address to Congress:  

 

“As the largest segment of U.S. maritime, the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry welcomes President Trump’s focus on American shipbuilding and maritime commerce as a pillar of our nation’s prosperity and security. Strong American shipyards are vital to the domestic supply chain and to the fleet that propels it, and we look forward to working with the President to support these efforts.”