Tim Scott Silent as Trump Cuts Minority Business Agency

Sen. Tim Scott, who has long championed the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to support minority-owned businesses, has remained silent as the Trump administration dismantled the agency, putting all of its staff on administrative leave or reassigning them. Scott was instrumental in efforts to permanently authorize and expand the MBDA, especially during the pandemic, but now faces criticism from within and outside the agency for his lack of public response. This silence is seen by some as a betrayal, especially given Scott’s record of advocating for underserved communities and his personal background as a minority business owner. Critics argue that Scott and other Republicans are not defending the agency, while a spokesperson for Scott points to his broader achievements for minority communities during Trump’s first term, such as securing HBCU funding and creating opportunity zones. The situation highlights the tension for Black conservatives like Scott, who must navigate loyalty to party leadership while balancing their advocacy for diversity initiatives. Some Republican lawmakers have indicated support for the MBDA’s mission but have suggested the agency change its name to avoid political controversy.