Rep. Don Beyer, a U.S. Congressman representing Virginia’s 8th district since 2015, recently used his social media platform to comment on national economic policy, disaster preparedness staffing, and gun violence prevention.
On September 8, 2025, Beyer criticized former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies in a post stating, “Trump promised that the higher costs from his tariffs would come with a tradeoff in the form of a manufacturing boom, yet manufacturing has shrunk for 6 straight months.”
Later that day, he addressed concerns about federal disaster response staffing: “We told the Administration to rehire the disaster response and preparedness staff they fired. Instead, the Administration is listing jobs demanding fealty rather than skill expertise. The weather doesn’t care about political parties. Just rehire the staff we need already.”
On September 9, Beyer marked National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day by drawing attention to gun violence: “Suicide by firearm has become the deadliest form of gun violence in America. On National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day, we raise awareness about this crisis and the work being done to empower families and communities to protect their loved ones. Together, we can save lives.”
Beyer’s remarks reflect ongoing debates over U.S. trade policy outcomes under previous administrations as well as current concerns regarding federal agency staffing practices for emergency management roles. His comments on firearm suicide highlight broader efforts nationwide to address mental health and gun safety.
Born in Trieste in 1950 and currently residing in Alexandria at age 72, Beyer graduated from Williams College with a BA in 1972 before beginning his congressional service after succeeding Jim Moran.
