White House slams Amazon: White House Criticizes Amazon’s Tariff Pricing Plan
The White House on Tuesday strongly criticized Amazon’s reported plans to list the costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs next to the total prices of products. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described this move as a “hostile and political act” by Amazon.
Background and Context
The criticism comes amid an emerging clash between Amazon’s founder, Jeff Bezos, and President Trump. PunchBowl News reported that Amazon plans to display the share of a product’s cost derived from massive tariffs rolled out by Trump earlier this month. Amazon did not respond to requests for comment on the company’s plans or the White House’s reaction.
White House Reaction
Leavitt expressed surprise and disapproval of Amazon’s decision, questioning why the company would take this step now, given the administration’s economic policies. She also referenced Amazon’s past compliance with Chinese government requests, citing a 2021 story from Reuters about the company’s handling of a book by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Amazon’s Chinese website.
Bezos and Trump Relationship
When asked about Bezos’ relationship with Trump, Leavitt declined to comment, citing the president’s interactions with the billionaire. Bezos has met with Trump multiple times since his election win and has sought to build relationships with the administration.
Still on White House slams Amazon
Tariff Dispute
Amazon and other retailers strongly oppose Trump’s universal tariffs, which they argue will harm consumers and businesses. The tariff rate on China is currently 145%, and economists warn that these costs will be passed on to consumers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is negotiating deals with 18 countries that could include lowering tariffs, citing progress with India, South Korea, and Japan.
Retailer Concerns
Representatives from top U.S. retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, met with Trump at the White House to discuss their concerns about the tariffs. While some products, such as smartphones and computers, were temporarily excluded from tariffs, Trump officials indicated that these exemptions are only temporary and new levies will be imposed in the future.
Implications and Next Steps
The dispute between Amazon and the White House highlights the ongoing debate over trade policies and their impact on businesses and consumers. As the administration continues to negotiate trade deals, the fate of Trump’s tariffs and their effects on the economy remain uncertain.
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