Overview

• Small Business Administration head Kelly Loeffler reposted Sen. Mazie Hirono’s comments and called her language "disgraceful" and "calculated, violent rhetoric."
• Hirono replied with an explicit profanity to emphasize her view that the tariffs are severely harming small businesses.
• Hirono highlighted legislation she is pursuing with Sens. Ed Markey and Amy Klobuchar to exempt small firms from the tariffs and refund duties already paid.
• Coverage cites economists who say the reciprocal tariffs have driven up prices and slowed market growth, pressuring small enterprises.
• Several federal courts have found aspects of the tariff program were implemented without congressional authorization, and a Supreme Court review is pending.