Credited from: HUFFPOST
The White House condemned Amazon for reportedly intending to display the additional costs of President Trump's tariffs on its product listings. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced the move as a "hostile and political act," questioning why Amazon did not provide similar breakdowns of costs during the Biden administration's inflation rate hike. This criticism came during a press conference celebrating Trump's 100 days in office, indicating the administration's focus on defending its tariff policies amid consumer backlash, according to SCMP and LA Times.
Amazon refuted claims of any plans to disclose tariff impacts next to prices on its site, clarifying it had only considered such actions for its low-cost Amazon Haul store. An Amazon spokesperson emphasized that the suggestion was not approved, abiding by its commitment to transparency without compromising consumer perception. This statement followed the White House's sharp criticism and a report from Punchbowl News suggesting the planned display, according to HuffPost and Business Insider.
After hearing about Amazon's supposed intentions, President Trump reportedly called Jeff Bezos to express his displeasure, suggesting that highlighting tariff costs could lead to public criticism of his trade policies. Trump later praised Bezos for “solving the problem quickly,” indicating a personal intervention that may have influenced Amazon's retraction of the planned display, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.
The fallout extends to political scrutiny from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who questioned whether Trump made threats or promises to Bezos during their conversation. Warren's inquiries highlight broader concerns about potential collusion between big tech and the Trump administration to sidestep accountability regarding tariffs, further complicating the already contentious landscape of U.S. trade policy, according to India Times and Business Insider.