Small Businesses Squeezed by Trump Tariffs Await Supreme Court Ruling

Owners of cider, baby product, dog apparel, and glass companies struggle with rising costs and lost revenue due to Trump's trade war policies

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Small business owners across the U.S. are feeling the pinch of increased tariffs imposed by former President Trump, with many facing higher costs, lost inventory, and delayed business expansions. As they await a Supreme Court decision on the legality of Trump's use of emergency powers to enact the tariffs, these entrepreneurs are concerned about the long-term impact on their livelihoods.

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling on the legality of Trump's tariffs will have significant implications for small businesses that have been hit hard by the increased costs. A decision in favor of the administration could embolden Trump to impose even more tariffs, while a ruling against the tariffs could provide relief to struggling small firms and potentially lead to refunds of the tariff payments.

The details

Tristan Wright's Lost Boy Cider in Virginia has seen the cost of aluminum cans rise due to tariffs on imports. Minnesota's Beth Benike, inventor of specialty baby products, ran out of inventory and lost income for months last year due to the trade war with China. Maryland's Barton O'Brien had to cancel plans to launch a new line of Irish-style dog sweaters because importing from India became unfeasible. And Pennsylvania's Walt Rowen of Susquehanna Glass Company worries about his tariff bill each time he replenishes stock.

  • Trump began imposing tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act just over a year ago in February 2025.
  • The Supreme Court heard arguments on the case in early November 2024 and is expected to issue a ruling by February 20, 2026.

The players

Tristan Wright

Founder and president of Lost Boy Cider in Alexandria, Virginia.

Beth Benike

Owner of Busy Baby, a Minnesota-based inventor and seller of specialty baby products.

Barton O'Brien

Owner of Baydog, a Maryland-based dog apparel company.

Walt Rowen

Third-generation owner of Susquehanna Glass Company, a Pennsylvania-based glass and ceramic decorator.

Donald Trump

Former president who imposed the tariffs under emergency powers.

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What they’re saying

“If there's one thing that's universal in business, no matter what you're doing, it's that stability and calmness create a positive market.”

— Walt Rowen, Owner, Susquehanna Glass Company (Nevada Current)

“They don't have another way of getting us out of this debt situation (and) you can point all the fingers you want over the last couple of decades.”

— Tristan Wright, Owner and President, Lost Boy Cider (Nevada Current)

“I have been forced, as a business owner, to borrow money and tie up all that cash in product.”

— Barton O'Brien, Owner, Baydog (Nevada Current)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling on the legality of Trump's tariffs on February 20, 2026. The decision will determine whether the businesses can seek refunds of the tariff payments they have made over the past year.

The takeaway

The ongoing uncertainty around Trump's tariffs has created significant financial hardship for small businesses across the country, forcing them to raise prices, delay expansions, and even lay off workers. The Supreme Court's ruling will have major implications for the future of these companies and the broader economic impact of the administration's trade policies.