Amazon sparks backlash for showing tariff impact on product prices
Jeff Bezos is facing sharp criticism from the White House after Amazon’s latest move to display how President Donald Trump’s tariffs are affecting product prices. The Trump administration called the step “hostile and political,” as the e-commerce giant began highlighting the impact of import duties on its website.
Amazon’s pricing transparency draws Trump’s ire
According to Punchbowl News, Amazon has started indicating how much Trump-era tariffs increase costs for various imported products—an effort likely aimed at addressing consumer concerns around rising prices.
Though Jeff Bezos had recently appeared to warm up to Trump—donating to his inauguration and attending the event—the decision appears to have reignited tensions between the two.
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White House response: “Why didn’t Amazon do this under Biden?”
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Amazon of politically motivated behavior. “Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?” she asked.
She went on to say the move “was not a surprise,” citing a 2021 Reuters report claiming Amazon had “partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm.” Leavitt used the moment to reinforce the administration’s stance: “This is another reason why Americans should buy American.”
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Jeff Bezos-Trump relationship shows signs of strain
While Jeff Bezos had drawn praise from Trump earlier this year alongside other billionaires, the administration’s recent remarks suggest a cooling of relations. The White House declined to comment on the current status of their relationship.
Amazon, for its part, maintained that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations in every country where it operates.
Netizens weigh in: “Transparency is political now?”
Online reactions quickly followed. One user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned the administration’s stance: “Why shouldn’t they be transparent about showing the tariffs? It’ll help Americans buy American. Right, MAGA?”
Another wrote, “Sure, transparency is ‘hostile and political’. I thought this administration prides itself on its transparency. Apparently, that’s only true when positive things are said about Trump and his policies.”
