Amazon’s plan to show how much tariffs contribute to product prices sparked a swift backlash from President Donald Trump, leading the company to quickly retract the proposal. The situation unfolded on a Tuesday morning, starting with a report from Punchbowl News that Amazon would display tariff costs next to item prices. This move was seen as a way for Amazon to distance itself from the financial impacts of Trump’s trade policies.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the media shortly after the news broke. She criticized Amazon’s decision, labeling it a "hostile and political act." Leavitt questioned why Amazon didn’t take similar action during the Biden administration, which has faced criticism for rising inflation. She also highlighted a recent article that suggested Amazon had ties to a Chinese propaganda group, further intensifying her remarks against the company.
While Leavitt spoke publicly, Trump was reportedly on the phone with Bezos, expressing his disapproval. This dual approach—public criticism from Leavitt and private pressure from Trump—illustrated the administration’s strategy in dealing with high-profile corporate figures. A source close to the situation described Leavitt as a key player in these high-stakes encounters, acting as a powerful ally to the president.
During her briefing, Leavitt emphasized the importance of supporting American-made products and on-shoring supply chains. She made it clear that the administration views Amazon’s actions as part of a broader issue affecting the economy.
In a surprising twist, shortly after Leavitt’s comments, Walmart announced a new initiative aimed at promoting American-made products, which Leavitt celebrated as a positive outcome of the administration’s influence.
By late morning, Amazon had backtracked on its earlier announcement. A spokesperson clarified that the idea of listing import charges had never received approval and would not be implemented. Trump later praised Bezos for resolving the issue quickly, calling him a "good guy."
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and major corporations, as well as the delicate balance these companies must maintain in a politically charged environment.
