Kelly Loeffler has been confirmed as the new head of the Small Business Administration (SBA) following a 52–46 Senate vote. A successful business leader and former Georgia senator, Kelly Loeffler aims to reduce regulatory barriers and expand access to SBA-backed funding for entrepreneurs.
A huge honor to be at the Capitol today as my former Senate colleagues voted to confirm me as the 28th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) February 19, 2025
Profoundly grateful to @POTUS for the trust he’s placed in me to help advance his America First agenda – and unleash a… pic.twitter.com/IduMw3hFXj
During her confirmation hearing, Loeffler emphasized her commitment to President Trump’s economic vision. She pledged to implement policies that would usher in a “golden era of prosperity and growth” for small businesses. The SBA supports entrepreneurs by offering capital, counseling, and government contracting expertise.
Loeffler testified before the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee on January 28, outlining her priorities. She reaffirmed support for Trump’s agenda, which includes cutting taxes, reducing inflation, and eliminating unnecessary regulations. She stated these measures would help restore small business growth and strengthen the economy.
Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, voiced strong support for Loeffler’s appointment. She highlighted Loeffler’s zero-tolerance policy for waste, fraud, and abuse, calling her the right person for the role. Ernst also noted that Kelly Loeffler has firsthand experience as an entrepreneur, making her an effective advocate for small businesses.
However, opposition came from Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., who raised concerns about the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He claimed its formation could lead to illegally restricting funds for small business owners. Markey also pressed Loeffler on the Trump administration’s recent decision to freeze federal grants aimed at eradicating “wokeness”.
Despite the debate, Loeffler secured final confirmation after a 51–43 procedural vote advanced her nomination. She committed to conducting a full audit of the SBA, ensuring accountability in government spending.
Background: Who is Kelly Lynn Loeffler?
Kelly Lynn Loeffler is an American entrepreneur and former politician who represented Georgia as a U.S. senator from 2020 to 2021. Loeffler was nominated as Administrator of the Small Business Administration on December 5, 2024 by President-elect Trump. Loeffler and her husband co-founded a Fortune 500 financial services company. She previously donated her Senate salary to over 40 charitable organizations, supporting causes like food security, law enforcement, education, and disaster relief. She plans to donate her $207,500 SBA salary to charity as well.
