Lofler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, states that small businesses support Trump's tariff policy and challenge negative media reports.

At the "Small Business Week" event in Washington, D.C., Kelly Loeffler, the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, stated that the mainstream media's criticism of Trump's tariff policies is at odds with the support from small businesses. She is advocating for the "American Manufacturing Financing Act" to increase loan limits to bolster the manufacturing sector and help businesses restructure their supply chains to lessen dependence on China. Loeffler highlighted the confidence that small businesses have in Trump's policies and pointed out a surge in loan applications, which indicates that businesses are preparing to expand.

The "Spring" of Small Businesses: Observations That Contradict Media Narratives

During the "Small Business Week" event in Washington, D.C., Loeffler stated in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that the mainstream media's coverage of Trump's trade policies is "completely contrary" to what she has heard across the country. She noted that small business owners generally appreciate Trump's fair trade policies, believing these policies demonstrate America's determination to combat unfair trade practices.

"What I see is manufacturers and small businesses having confidence in President Trump's policies," Loeffler said. "They are ready to invest, expand, and hire, believing this is a 'Made in America' era."

She emphasized that small businesses account for 99% of all U.S. businesses and create two-thirds of new jobs. According to SBA data, small business loan applications surged by 80% early in Trump's term, indicating businesses' confidence in future growth.

The "Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act": Advancing Policy and Funding Together

In response to manufacturers' urgent need for funding, Loeffler, along with bipartisan members of Congress, introduced the "Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act," proposing to raise the cap on SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million. The bill has received bipartisan support from Senate Small Business Committee Chair Joni Ernst, House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams, and Democratic Senator Chris Coons.

Loeffler pointed out that this reform not only addresses manufacturers' actual funding needs but also complements the Trump administration's tax cuts and supply chain restructuring policies. "This is not just a policy slogan but a concrete fact that is happening," she said. "We are regaining economic independence and bringing strategic manufacturing capabilities back home."

Reshaping the Supply Chain: From "China Dependence" to "Made in America"

Loeffler further stated that the SBA is actively helping businesses restructure their supply chains, including "bringing back to the U.S." and "expanding domestically." She emphasized that this is part of the Trump administration's "Liberation Day" policy, aimed at reducing dependence on supply chains dominated by the Chinese Communist Party.

"We are bringing manufacturing back to Main Street, back to Pittsburgh, Peoria, and Little Rock," she said. "This is a nationwide economic turning point."

This policy direction contrasts sharply with mainstream media reports on Trump's tariff policies. According to media outlets like Politico and United Daily News, Trump's tariff policies have been criticized for reducing the attractiveness of the dollar and U.S. debt, potentially weakening America's dominance in the international financial system. Economists like Harvard's Kenneth Rogoff have warned that if dollar assets weaken, the U.S. will find it difficult to borrow effectively in future economic crises.

The Real Actions of Small Businesses: Loans, Investments, and Expansion

Despite ongoing criticism of tariff policies, Loeffler pointed out that small businesses are actively taking action. She revealed that the number of manufacturing loans has increased by 74%, with an average of about 100 manufacturing loans issued weekly, indicating that businesses are preparing to expand capacity, purchase equipment, and hire personnel.

"Small businesses only borrow money when they have confidence," she said. "What we see is that they are ready for growth."

She added that most of these loans are conducted through local lending institutions and SBA-guaranteed public-private partnerships, which do not increase the burden on taxpayers and can serve as a model for other government departments.

The Gap Between Media and Businesses: Who Defines Economic Reality?

In media reports, companies like Mattel have expressed reservations about Trump's tariff policies, noting that although they have reduced dependence on China, they still cannot avoid rising costs and stock price fluctuations. However, Loeffler emphasized that the voices of these large companies should not drown out the real experiences of small businesses.

"What we see are voices from the grassroots," she said. "These businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and their perspectives deserve to be heard."

She noted that Trump's policies have attracted over $8 trillion in investment, mostly from large companies, but ultimately this will flow to small businesses through contractors, further expanding economic benefits.

References

• 聯合國會兩黨議員修法提升製造業貸款上限 川普政府閣員：我們不再依賴中國共產黨供應鏈
• Loeffler flips script on media's Trump tariffs narrative by revealing what small businesses are saying
• Trump Accidentally Admits He Hasn’t Made Any Trade Deals
• 面對川普高關稅 美泰兒選擇全球生產布局、不遷回美國
• 美媒：川普政策重擊美元資產 影響華爾街與社會基礎 | 美國新聞 | 國際 | 經濟日報