California Governor Gavin Newsom has raised alarms over the severe impact of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on small businesses. Speaking in a podcast interview, Newsom described the “complete devastation” faced by entrepreneurs across the state.
“This has already had an impact, and the impact would be even more acute as it relates to shortages and supply constraints that are inevitable if this continues,” Newsom said during his conversation with Ben Meiselas of the MeidasTouch Network.
Newsom shared heartfelt stories of small business owners grappling with the tariffs. One owner, who sells baby products, expressed fears of losing her home due to the financial strain. Another, a family-run electric bike company, reached out to Newsom after facing the possibility of shutting down despite having a full inventory.
“That’s because of Trump’s unilateral policies,” Newsom remarked. “The damage has been done.”
The governor highlighted recent federal court decisions blocking key tariff measures enacted during the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled that the former president lacked the unilateral authority to impose certain tariffs, a decision Newsom praised.
“California was the first to sue over these unlawful tariffs, and now the courts are saying exactly what we argued from day one,” he stated. “Families in California and across the country have felt the real cost of this ego-driven trade war.”
Newsom emphasized that the uncertainty caused by the tariffs continues to harm small businesses, leading to canceled shipments, layoffs, and closures. “This is real. It’s consequential. And it’s small businesses, in particular, that are being devastated by this uncertainty,” he added.
As legal battles over the tariffs proceed, small business owners and advocates like Newsom are hopeful for relief. “I’m looking forward to reminding these entrepreneurs of this momentary impact of the federal court decision that may give them a reprieve,” he said.
