Serial entrepreneur Shawn Meaike believes small business owners across America are finding it “a lot harder today” under the Biden-Harris administration compared to when former President Trump was in office.
Meaike, who built successful businesses in real estate, waste management, and life insurance, and is now worth “in excess of nine figures,” is concerned that a Kamala Harris presidency could further challenge capitalists.
Growing up “broke,” Meaike achieved the American dream and now mentors young entrepreneurs aspiring for similar success. He has noticed a political shift among many business owners seeking his advice. “I’ve had a lot of people… that have never voted Republican, that are businessmen and businesswomen, that have said to me, ‘This current administration has made it virtually impossible for my business to survive,’” Meaike told Fox News Digital.
Meaike, who believes anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations will be affected by the upcoming election, expressed concerns about a potential Harris presidency. “I think businessmen and women are definitely concerned about a presidency that is led by Kamala. I really think they are, and I think as far left as she is, they probably should be,” Meaike said. He emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in America and how it has become more challenging under the current administration.
Meaike criticized policies implemented and proposed by President Biden and Vice President Harris, arguing that they hurt entrepreneurs. With the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire next year, most Americans could face a significant tax increase. Additionally, Harris’s past proposals, including a tax on stock and bond trades, a fee for carbon pollution, and increased corporate taxes, have raised concerns among business owners. Although Harris’s 2024 tax plan has not been revealed, Meaike believes Biden and Harris have already provided enough reasons to deter capitalists.
Republicans have blamed Harris for inflation, particularly due to her tiebreaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. According to Meaike, other policies from the Biden-Harris administration have also negatively impacted business owners and their employees. “All the policies are advantageous for people that are not building a business. They’re not advantageous to you out there trying to do your own thing. There’s too much regulation,” he said.
Meaike argued that minimum wage hikes have made it harder for business owners to hire new employees and that inflation has reduced the disposable income needed for small businesses to thrive. He also criticized the lack of law and order under the Biden-Harris administration, which he believes has hurt entrepreneurs. “People want to be safe. They don’t want stores robbed in Oakland, and the police take three hours to respond. They don’t want people to lose their American dream. They don’t want people to come down the street, burn the flag, spray paint monuments, threaten people… people don’t want that,” Meaike said. He added that people simply want to work, pay their mortgages, and take care of their families.
Despite Meaike’s criticisms, the White House maintains that the Biden-Harris administration has been beneficial for small business owners. In June, the White House announced “over 18 million new business applications” during Biden’s presidency. “My Administration is supporting this unprecedented wave of entrepreneurship with historic investments in small businesses and communities across the country,” President Biden stated.
As voters prepare for November’s critical election, Meaike believes only one candidate will truly support capitalists. “Say what you want about Donald Trump. He’s a businessman,” Meaike said.
The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
