Key takeaways:

• Tara Riceberg lashes out at Trump tariffs in a CNN interview.
• Her luxury gift shop was destroyed by fire on Christmas Day.
• Imported European products now carry tariffs up to 167 percent.
• Riceberg urges shoppers to support local stores and contact lawmakers.

Trump Tariffs Hit Small Businesses Hard

A Beverly Hills entrepreneur spoke out on CNN about how Trump tariffs hurt small shops. Tara Riceberg owns Tesoro, a luxury gift store. She joined fill-in host Phil Mattingly on The Lead. There, she warned that these extra taxes will kill Main Street. She argued they act like hidden fees that customers and owners must pay.

Riceberg’s anger grew as she described losing her store to a fire on Christmas Day. After fighting to save her business through a tough pandemic, flames swept through her storefront. She now faces rebuilding costs that could skyrocket because of high material prices and hefty duties on imports.

Why Trump Tariffs Are Crushing Main Street

Riceberg stressed that Trump tariffs are not small. Many people think they are only thirty percent. However, she pointed out that her imported European products now face rates from sixty-five percent to a shocking one hundred sixty-seven percent. As a result, she cannot bring new goods into her store without steep added costs.

Furthermore, this tariff “spin out” makes it impossible to plan. Riceberg said, “There is no way to forecast or anticipate. We’re all holding our breath.” She explained that higher import taxes force her to raise prices or absorb the loss. In turn, customers spend less, which hurts her sales even more.

The True Price of Tariffs

Beyond the headline rate, Riceberg warned of hidden fees. Packaging, shipping materials, and parts all carry extra charges under Trump tariffs. She noticed these costs in every step of her supply chain. Moreover, she admitted she can no longer afford personal luxuries. “I used to color my hair blonde,” she said. “Now I can’t pay for that.”

She added that customers sense the strain too. As price tags rise, shoppers hesitate. Some skip gifts or choose cheaper items. Therefore, local retailers lose both foot traffic and sales. Riceberg described it as a “final nail in the coffin of small business.”

A Fiery Call to Action

During the on-air outburst, Mattingly looked astonished. He managed to ask, “How are you doing? Are you okay?” Despite her frustration, Riceberg kept her focus on big issues. She sees herself as a retail champion who wants to help her community thrive.

First, she urged viewers to support local stores. Every purchase counts. Second, she encouraged people to write or call their elected representatives. She believes public pressure can force policy changes. Lastly, she reminded fellow business owners to speak up. According to Riceberg, only a united voice can stop this economic slide.

How Tariffs Ripple Through the Economy

Tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries by making imports more expensive. However, they often harm small businesses that rely on global supply chains. For instance, a gift shop may source unique items from Europe or Asia. When duties rise, so do retail prices.

Consequently, customers cut back on spending. Reduced consumer demand leads to lower revenue for store owners. In turn, some small shops face closure. Experts warn that prolonged tariffs can slow economic growth and even trigger a downturn.

Why Main Street Matters

Main Street refers to small businesses in towns and cities across America. These shops create jobs, support local suppliers, and add character to neighborhoods. When Main Street suffers, communities lose more than just products. They lose meeting spots, unique experiences, and local pride.

Riceberg’s plea highlights one key fact: small business owners struggle under uneven tax burdens. They lack the scale to absorb extra costs or negotiate lower rates. Meanwhile, larger corporations can often shift fees or move production overseas. Therefore, small shops bear the brunt of Trump tariffs.

Stories Like Tara’s Are Everywhere

Riceberg’s story is not unique. Across the country, family-run shops report why Trump tariffs lowered their profits. They describe delayed shipments, falling sales, and staff layoffs. Some fear bankruptcy if duties persist at current levels.

Moreover, these businesses face other challenges such as high rent, worker shortages, and rising fuel costs. Tariffs add a layer of uncertainty that many cannot handle. As Riceberg said, “We are on uncertain ground, and that costs lives, jobs, and dreams.”

Lessons for Consumers

Consumers can play a role in easing these struggles. First, they can choose to buy local whenever possible. This puts money directly into community pockets. Second, they can ask store owners about their challenges. A simple conversation raises awareness. Third, they can contact local officials and share personal stories about how Trump tariffs affect them.

Through these steps, shoppers become advocates. Collective voices create change. Policymakers may rethink steep duties if enough constituents speak out.

Looking Ahead

It remains unclear whether tariffs will decrease soon. The current policy aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce trade deficits. Yet small businesses continue to pay the price. Until duties fall or exemptions grow, many entrepreneurs will struggle to survive.

Riceberg remains determined. She plans to rebuild Tesoro and expand online sales. However, she says survival depends on fair trade rules. She hopes future changes will protect both workers and small business owners.

Ultimately, Riceberg’s on-air tirade shines a spotlight on an issue that affects millions. As she said, “These are taxes Americans are paying.” Unless action comes quickly, she warns, the economy could slip into a deep downturn. Only time will tell if Main Street can withstand another blow.

FAQs

What are Trump tariffs?

Trump tariffs are import duties imposed to protect domestic industries. They raise the cost of goods entering the U.S.

How do Trump tariffs affect small businesses?

They increase costs for imported materials and products. Small shops often cannot absorb these fees or raise prices enough to cope.

Why are some tariffs over 100 percent?

Certain products, especially luxury or specialty items, face higher duties. This happens when policymakers target specific foreign goods.

How can consumers help small businesses?

Shoppers can choose to buy local, share stories with lawmakers, and support petitions against steep tariffs. Every action adds pressure for change.