Amazon is facing fierce backlash from the White House after reports emerged that the company might start showing customers the tariff costs included in their purchases. Administration officials see this as a direct challenge to Trump’s trade policies.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t hold back, labeling Amazon’s plan a “hostile political act.” She confirmed discussing the matter with Trump before making the statement. The White House also brought up past allegations of Amazon collaborating with Chinese propaganda outlets, adding fuel to the fire.
Interestingly, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has had a mixed relationship with Trump. While he donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, his newspaper, The Washington Post, chose not to endorse any presidential candidate this election cycle—a decision that drew criticism.
Tariffs have been a cornerstone of Trump’s economic strategy, with initial high rates later being reduced. However, China responded with even steeper tariffs, leaving businesses and consumers to bear the cost. If Amazon had gone through with its plan, shoppers would have seen exactly how much these tariffs added to their bills—a move the White House clearly didn’t appreciate.
Amazon later denied any official plans to implement the feature, calling it an unapproved idea. Trump, seemingly pleased with the outcome, complimented Bezos for handling the situation well.
