Senate confirms Kelly Loeffler to lead Small Business Administration
The Senate voted on Wednesday to confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee, Kelly Loeffler, to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA) with a 52–46 margin. Loeffler, a former senator from Georgia and successful business executive, has promised to reduce regulatory burdens on small business owners and enhance access to SBA-backed loans and grants.
During her confirmation hearing, Loeffler outlined her vision for the agency, which includes providing small business owners with counseling, capital, and contracting expertise to help them grow their businesses. She emphasized that Trump’s policies would lead to a “golden era of prosperity and growth” for small businesses.
Loeffler, who has a net worth of around $1 billion, has pledged to donate her $207,500 annual salary as SBA administrator to charity. She and her husband, Jeff, previously donated her Senate salary to over 40 Georgia charities and nonprofits, including food banks, faith groups, and organizations supporting various causes such as health care, agriculture, and education.
The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, chaired by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, supported Loeffler’s nomination, citing her qualifications and commitment to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within the agency. Ernst also endorsed Loeffler’s plans to conduct a full-scale audit of the SBA to ensure responsible spending.
However, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass, raised concerns about Loeffler’s nomination, suggesting that it could lead to funding cuts for small business owners by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He accused the Trump administration of attempting to fill its cabinet with individuals who would support unlawful actions.
During her confirmation hearing, Loeffler faced questions from Markey about the Trump administration’s decision to freeze federal funds aimed at combating “wokeness” and the “weaponization of government.” While the White House rescinded the memo, the funding freeze remained in effect, prompting criticism from Congress.
In response, Loeffler expressed support for Trump’s efforts to curb wasteful spending and emphasized the need for responsible government stewardship. She maintained that the decision to halt certain federal funding was necessary to address excessive government spending and align with the priorities of the American people.
In conclusion, Loeffler’s confirmation as the head of the SBA marks a significant step towards advancing the interests of small business owners and promoting economic growth. With her background in business and philanthropy, she is poised to lead the agency in supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving small business economy.
