The White House has made a notable move against Amazon, with President Donald Trump directly reaching out to company founder Jeff Bezos following discussions about potentially displaying tariff costs alongside product prices on the Amazon website. According to senior White House officials, Trump was displeased by reports suggesting Amazon might show how much of an item’s price comes from U.S. tariffs, viewing it as an undue burden on consumers. Following the call, Trump described the conversation with Bezos as “very nice” and expressed satisfaction with how swiftly the issue was resolved.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labelled Amazon’s potential move as a “hostile and political act,” while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick echoed her sentiments, suggesting that making such costs visible would misrepresent the impact of tariffs on prices. Reports indicate that Trump had been informed of Amazon’s consideration of this measure just before his call to Bezos, which prompted an immediate response from the president.
Despite the controversy, an Amazon spokesperson clarified that listing import charges was not intended for the main site but had been briefly considered for Haul, a subsidiary focused on lower-priced items, ultimately never being implemented. In contrast, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer encouraged transparency from businesses, urging them to show consumers the financial impact of tariffs, suggesting that understanding these costs is important for the public.
Notably, other e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu have already begun adjusting their pricing structures in response to tariffs, with Temu now openly displaying import charges at checkout. Leavitt referenced a past report about Amazon’s alleged collaboration with a “Chinese propaganda arm,” using this to bolster the argument for purchasing American-made goods to strengthen local manufacturing.
Amidst these discussions, Bezos has sought to maintain a positive relationship with Trump, congratulating him after the election and reportedly dining at the White House. However, it’s worth noting that Bezos’ financial standing has taken a hit, with a decline in his net worth attributed partly to tariff implications and market fluctuations.
This tense exchange reflects broader concerns about how corporate policies may relate to government trade practices and consumer pricing, suggesting ongoing implications for both businesses and shoppers in a fluctuating economic landscape.