Small business owners react to Trump’s election victory

SAN ANTONIO – During his re-election campaign, President-elect Donald Trump promised to improve the U.S. economy by cutting taxes and reducing inflation.

Local small business owners are reacting to Tuesday night’s election results and sharing their hopes for the future of their businesses.

Under the Trump administration in 2025, groups that feel the economic impact the most could get a break.

“It’s affecting us a lot,” business owner Mike Spezia said. “I’m thinking… try something different – the last four years have been very difficult for a small businessman.”

Mike Spezia owns a plumbing business as well as a restaurant and bar.

He hopes things will start to improve with Trump in office.

“This will be change. It just didn’t seem to work before,” Spezia said. “For this particular company, you should be able to count on being comfortable going out and being able to spend some money without worrying about how much the grocery bill is or the gas bill and things like that.”

Mia Cortez is a new business owner and has been running the Midtown Meetup for just over a year.

“I think it’s really difficult for a new business right now because you really need to know what you’re doing and know how to budget,” she explained. “Simply because there are so many aspects to it.”

And while she’s concerned about the leadership change in January, she hopes voters made the right choice.

“I’m worried,” she confirmed. “But at the same time, I think change always makes you feel that way. I think what I’m most looking for is to hold accountable what people have said and what they’re going to try to implement.”

Trump’s agenda lists his plans to “make America affordable again” by reducing inflation through a series of steps.

Spezia said he’s looking forward to it for his business and his community.

“We can reduce the cost of raw materials, gas and gas prices, and that will help everyone,” he said. “I’m looking forward to people becoming more comfortable and people coming here to use their discretionary income and also get into the plumbing and electrical business.”