Trump Criticizes Amazon for Potentially Highlighting Tariff Costs

The White House directed sharp criticism towards Amazon, with President Donald Trump reaching out to Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, on Tuesday morning. This occurred in response to Amazon contemplating the display of additional tariff costs on certain products. Trump contacted Bezos as concerns rose over reports suggesting that Amazon might show US tariff costs alongside product prices on their platform, according to two senior White House officials who spoke with CNN. Punchbowl News initially disclosed that Amazon plans to highlight how tariffs contribute to an item’s price alongside its total cost, demonstrating to American consumers the impact of Trump’s tariffs on product expenses. The tariffs in question include a restrictive 145% on Chinese imports and a baseline 10% on goods from other nations. Sources indicate Trump was informed about this development when one of the senior officials brought it to his attention, following which he expressed his discontent with the decision. “Naturally, he was upset,” the official, who wished to remain unnamed, shared with CNN. “Why should a massive corporation shift the burden of costs to the consumers?” During a Tuesday briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled the potential action as “hostile and political,” mentioning her prior discussion on the topic with President Trump.

In a statement to CNN, an Amazon representative clarified that such a display was “never considered for the main Amazon site and has not been implemented on any Amazon platforms.” However, Amazon did acknowledge that the concept of listing import charges for some items was considered for Haul, a subsidiary selling lower-priced goods under $20. Nonetheless, the spokesperson assured that this initiative was “never approved and will not occur.” They reaffirmed that the company made no changes regarding tariff displays.