On April 10, 2025, the American Waterways Operators released the following statement commending President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance:

 

 

“The American Waterways Operators commends President Trump for issuing his Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, and for recognizing the critical importance of a robust American maritime industrial base and maritime workforce to our nation’s security and prosperity. As the largest segment of U.S. maritime, the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry stands ready to work with the Trump Administration to further grow and strengthen domestic waterways commerce, address China’s maritime expansionism, and identify opportunities to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to innovation.” – Jennifer Carpenter, President & CEO, The American Waterways Operators