Amazon founder Jeff Bezos faced pressure from President Donald Trump and the White House over Amazon's plan to display tariff costs on its product listings, a move later scrapped amidst heated political response.
White House reaction to Amazon's tariff cost display plan
The White House criticized Amazon after a report stated that the company planned to show the cost of President Trump's tariffs beside product prices. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called it a 'hostile and political act' during a press briefing.
Trump's direct involvement
President Donald Trump personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to express his dissatisfaction with the news about displaying tariff surcharges, which triggered a swift denial and abandonment of the plan by Amazon.
Amazon's clarification and response
Amazon clarified that the plan to show tariff surcharges was initially considered only for its budget shopping section, Amazon Haul, and never approved for the main site. The company confirmed the plan is now fully scrapped.
Political backdrop and Amazon's relationship with Trump
Bezos has maintained a notably warmer relationship with Trump during his second term, including a $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural fund and attendance at the inauguration. However, Amazon continues to face challenges from tariffs, especially those imposed on goods sourced from China.
Impact of tariffs on retail and e-commerce
Amazon is among several retailers adjusting prices in response to new tariffs with some competitors, like Shein and Temu, openly displaying large import surcharges during checkout. These moves spotlight the broader economic effects of tariff policies on consumers.
Allegations of Amazon's ties to Chinese government
White House officials referenced reports that criticized Amazon's compliance with Chinese government directives, especially concerning removal of content from the Washington Post, a publication owned by Jeff Bezos.
