Trump Dials Bezos as Amazon Nixes Tariff Price Display Plan

White House Criticizes Amazon for Highlighting Tariff Costs, Calling Move 'Hostile'

Trump Dials Bezos as Amazon Nixes Tariff Price Display Plan

DECK
Retail giant backs away from idea to show customers the cost of new tariffs, following direct call from President Trump amid rising tensions over trade policy and inflation fears.

KEY FACTS

1. What: Amazon cancels idea to itemize trade tariff costs for shoppers.

2. Who: US President Donald Trump contacted Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

3. When: Revelation and White House response surfaced Tuesday.

4. Where: US; Amazon Haul affected.

5. Why: Tariff hike fallout; White House under fire over rising consumer costs.

6. How: Internal discussions at Amazon were dropped before implementation; Trump call reportedly followed the news leak.

SITUATION SNAPSHOT
As new trade tariffs begin to bite, whispers of Amazon planning to expose the true cost to its customers stirred a swift and personal response from the Oval Office. Within hours, the e-commerce giant backpedaled, and President Trump was on the phone with Jeff Bezos—marking a rare moment of cordiality between two longtime adversaries.

WHAT WE KNOW

The White House sharply criticized Amazon on Tuesday over reports that the company plans to display the portion of product prices attributed to Trump-era tariffs. The administration viewed the move as a “hostile” act, arguing that it would draw consumer attention to the fact that tariffs are paid by U.S. importers—not foreign exporters—and that these costs are often passed on to American shoppers.

Amazon had internally reviewed the possibility of listing tariff-related surcharges on Amazon Haul, its budget-friendly retail site designed to compete with platforms like Shein and Temu.

Spokesperson Tim Doyle clarified: "This was never approved and is not going to happen." The idea, according to sources, emerged after the removal of tariff exemptions on small Chinese imports under $800.

The story first broke via Punchbowl News, citing an anonymous source. Despite speculation, Amazon emphasized that the consideration was not influenced by political pressure from the White House.

During a press briefing marking Trump's 100th day back in office, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the idea a "hostile and political act by Amazon." She added: "Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?"

President Trump, who has aggressively expanded tariffs since returning to office in January, reportedly called Bezos directly. When asked about the conversation, he remarked: "Jeff Bezos was very nice. He was terrific. He solved the problem very quickly. He did the right thing. He's a good guy."

WHAT’S NEXT
Further trade friction is expected, especially as U.S. importers brace for widespread supply chain disruptions. Analysts are closely watching how businesses will navigate the new duties, and whether others will follow Shein and Temu in passing on costs to consumers.

Meanwhile, the White House is preparing for potential backlash as recession fears grow, with economists warning that the cascading effects of tariffs could erode consumer spending.

VOICES ON THE GROUND
"This is a hostile and political act by Amazon," said Leavitt. "Another reason why Americans should buy American."

Trump, in rare praise for Bezos, said: "He did the right thing... He's a good guy."

CONTEXT
The President’s renewed tariff agenda has been one of the defining features of his second term, pitched as a way to revive domestic manufacturing and boost federal revenues. Imports from China now face duties as high as 145%, with a minimum 10% tariff applied to many foreign goods.

The strain on U.S.-China trade has intensified, with exports and imports between the two countries falling sharply. Products ranging from baby strollers to umbrellas have seen reduced availability, prompting some retailers to openly announce price hikes.

Amazon, where nearly half of U.S. sellers are reportedly China-based, sits at the heart of this disruption.

Despite their turbulent history—marked by lawsuits, barbed public comments, and accusations of political targeting—Trump and Bezos have occasionally found common ground. Bezos attended Trump’s inauguration and previously expressed support for deregulation and lower taxes.

REPORTER INSIGHT
In the high-stakes chess game of international trade, even giants like Amazon must navigate presidential pressure and public perception. This episode underscores the blurred line between policy, politics, and corporate strategy—and how swiftly those lines can be redrawn with just one phone call.