Trump declares war on Jeff Bezos as Amazon over tariff cost report

The White House sharply criticized Amazon on Tuesday, after reports revealed the company plans to show customers how much of a product’s price comes from tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the move a “hostile and political act,” accusing Amazon of unfairly targeting Trump-era policies.

What Happened?
Amazon intends to display tariff costs next to product prices, according to Punchbowl News. For example, a $50itemmightlista$10 tariff fee. Leavitt questioned why Amazon did not highlight price hikes during President Joe Biden’s term, when inflation hit 40-year highs. “Americans should buy American,” she added. Shares of Amazon fell over 2% in premarket trading following her remarks.

Tariffs Explained
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, often used to protect domestic industries. Trump applied heavy tariffs on Chinese products during his presidency, which critics say raised costs for U.S. consumers. Amazon’s plan to break down these fees could make shoppers more aware of their impact.

Amazon’s Silence
Amazon has not responded to CNBC’s request for comment. A source familiar with the plan said the tariff breakdowns will appear on items affected by Trump’s policies, such as electronics and furniture.

Other Retailers Follow Suit
Chinese retailers Shein and Temu recently added surcharges to cover tariffs. Temu now shows a 145% “import charge” at checkout. This has sparked debates about whether consumers, not China, bear the cost of tariffs.

Political Backlash
During a press briefing, Leavitt and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were asked if Amazon’s move proves tariffs hurt Americans. Leavitt defended Trump’s policies, arguing they protected U.S. jobs. Critics, however, say the data Amazon plans to share highlights a long-standing economic debate.

Why It Matters
The Biden administration faces pressure over inflation, which remains a key voter concern. By spotlighting Trump-era tariffs, Amazon’s strategy could influence public opinion ahead of the 2024 election.

What’s Next?
Legal experts suggest Amazon’s transparency could lead to lawsuits or policy changes. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing for bipartisan solutions to lower consumer costs.