Washington, D.C.– This afternoon, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a virtual town hall event with members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ). Among the top concerns from business leaders were the Trump administration and congressional Republicans’ damaging effects on local and Black businesses.
“Seeking to placate the Trump administration at every turn, congressional Republicans–even those in our own delegation–have undermined New Jersey’s local businesses. That’s especially true for Black small business owners across the state,” said Senator Booker. “Throughout this afternoon’s town hall with AACCNJ members, it was made clear that the economic environment under Trump is one of great uncertainty for our state’s Black business community. It’s stifling innovation, hindering opportunities for our entrepreneurs and workers, and constricting local economies up and down New Jersey. I will continue to fight alongside AACCNJ to ensure New Jersey remains a place where Black businesses can flourish.”
Under President Trump, local businesses have struggled to navigate the severe and unpredictable nature of the administration’s trade policy. These challenges are particularly acute for small businesses which largely rely on imports, leaving them especially vulnerable to Trump’s tariff disputes. At the same time, President Trump has completely undermined the Small Business Administration and the federal government’s efforts to foster more diverse and equitable practices, including in its contract and service procurement processes.
“The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) thanks Senator Booker for the opportunity to discuss the current landscape of Black businesses in New Jersey and the broader U.S. economy. We believe this conversation to be particularly timely given the recent policy changes and the upcoming gubernatorial election in New Jersey,” said Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.
During the town hall, AACCNJ members asked the Senator about federal initiatives and legislation to support state and local businesses and outlined the issues specifically affecting Black businesses.