Queer-Owned Game Company Challenges Trump's Tariffs in Court: A Fight for Survival

Jordan McLaughlin, the passionate founder of Rookie Mage Games, an innovative game company based in Ohio, is confronting a formidable challenge that threatens the very essence of his business. The imposition of tariffs by former President Donald Trump on goods imported from China has introduced a daunting obstacle to his entrepreneurial journey. The tariffs, according to McLaughlin, are "really catastrophic" and pose a significant existential threat to his operations.

The atmosphere at Rookie Mage Games is one of "panic," McLaughlin reveals. As a queer business owner, he is acutely aware of the precarious situation that his company faces. Like many small businesses in the gaming industry, Rookie Mage Games relies on manufacturing in China to produce its unique tabletop games. The initial round of tariffs levied by the Trump administration resulted in a $3,000 tax bill, a notable strain on his resources.

However, the situation could have been dire. Another wave of tariffs was set at an alarming 120%, which would have escalated the tax to $21,000—a potential "death blow" to small enterprises like his. Although this rate was temporarily reduced to 30%, even this level presents significant hurdles for businesses that operate on thin margins. "It's going to be really hard for a lot of small businesses," McLaughlin stresses.

Joining the Legal Battle

Refusing to silently endure the adverse impact of these tariffs, McLaughlin has taken a bold step by joining a federal lawsuit to challenge the legality of the tariffs. The lawsuit argues that Trump's executive order, which invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, is both "unconstitutional and unlawful." The act is intended to address "unusual and extraordinary threats," yet, according to the lawsuit, the state of U.S. trade with China does not meet this criterion.

The lawsuit contends that the imposition of tariffs does not fall within the expanded powers granted to the president under the act. McLaughlin highlights that the real threat is borne by small businesses, which are now forced to navigate these turbulent economic waters. "Most will probably try to pass the cost on to customers," he notes, "but that will probably lead to less sales since customers are already paying more for day-to-day essentials."

The Resilience of Queer-Owned Businesses

Despite these challenges, McLaughlin remains hopeful, relying on innovative strategies to weather the storm. His approach includes minimizing costs wherever possible and placing his faith in the judicial system to overturn the burdensome tariffs. Platforms like Kickstarter have been instrumental in allowing diverse individuals, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, to enter the competitive gaming industry.

Rookie Mage Games itself was launched in 2018 with the help of crowdfunding. These platforms have democratized the industry, creating a "melting pot" of designers from various backgrounds. Nonetheless, queer-owned businesses often cater to niche markets and place smaller orders compared to giants like Mattel and Hasbro, making them particularly vulnerable to the financial pressures of tariffs.

"I am supportive if we want to build our manufacturing back up here," McLaughlin asserts, "but taxing small businesses into oblivion is not a way that's gonna do it." He emphasizes the importance of finding a balanced approach that fosters domestic production without financially crippling small businesses.

As the legal battle unfolds, McLaughlin's story underscores the resilience and determination of queer entrepreneurs who continue to push boundaries and innovate despite daunting odds. His journey is a testament to the vibrant and diverse landscape of the gaming industry, where creativity and community thrive against the backdrop of economic challenges.

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