GILSUM, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – A local business owner attended the President’s Joint Address to Congress as a guest of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Tuesday night

Rebecca Hamilton, co-owner and co-CEO of Badger, a family-operated manufacturer of natural personal care products in Gilsum, joined the Senator to highlight the growing concerns among New Hampshire’s small businesses over the economic impact of newly imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

In a statement late Tuesday night Shaheen criticized President Donald Trump’s speech, saying it failed to address pressing economic concerns for Granite State residents, including inflation, health care costs, and the ongoing workforce and childcare crises.

She pointed specifically to Hamilton’s business as an example of how the tariffs could negatively impact small businesses across the state.

“Rebecca’s business will be badly hurt by the President’s reckless tariff tax on goods from Canada – and sadly, her story is all too common in New Hampshire,” Shaheen said in a statement. “Small and large businesses alike will be forced to pass the price hike on imported goods onto consumers because they can’t afford to foot the bill alone.”

Badger, based in Gilsum, has already faced uncertainty due to previous tariffs and now must grapple with the latest round of trade policies. New Hampshire businesses, particularly those reliant on international supply chains, could see increased costs that may trickle down to consumers.

Shaheen urged the administration to shift focus toward lowering costs and fostering economic stability rather than implementing policies she described as divisive.

“I sincerely hope the President will change course and focus instead on the values and opportunities that unite us as Americans,” she said.

As small business owners like Hamilton brace for potential economic challenges, New Hampshire’s delegation in Washington continues to push for policies that support local enterprises and protect them from further financial strain.