The White House launched a fierce attack on Amazon this week amid reports the web retailer intended to post tariff rates on product descriptions, ratcheting up tensions in the conflict of words between President Donald Trump and Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos. The White House termed the action a “hostile and political act” that generated storms of controversy about corporate transparency, trade policy, and the congruence of business and government.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced Amazon’s alleged plan to break up tariff prices for consumers on April 29, according to a report by Punchbowl News. The move was perceived by President Trump as a deliberate assault on his trade policy, Chinese goods tariffs, which have increased by 145% since 2025. “Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration pushed inflation to a 40-year high?” Leavitt asked, posing the company’s actions as politically motivated.
The White House attributed Amazon’s action to their experience in dealing with China in the past, citing a Reuters report in 2021 of Amazon’s concession on Chinese censorship requests. Leavitt waved a copy of the article in the briefing room and said, “This is another reason Americans should buy American”. The remark prompted a premarket decline in Amazon stock of 2.2%, although shares later rebounded when the company denied the reports.
Amazon denies breaking out tariff charges on main site as tensions rise
Amazon brushed off rumors that it would break out tariff charges on its main site or Haul, its value-driven shopping site. Spokesman Tim Doyle said that although the Haul family “had entertained the idea of posting import charges,” they never did so. The company highlighted its dedication to low consumer prices, which left fewer than 1% of products recently undergo price increases.
The denial came after a reported phone call between Bezos and Trump in which the president allegedly condemned Amazon’s position. Though details were not made available, the conversation is the tenuous relationship between Trump and Bezos, who has sought to reestablish the relationship after Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election. Coincidentally, Bezos’ Washington Post suspended presidential endorsements in 2024, an action praised by Trump.
Tariff policies and economic consequences
Trump’s hawkish tariff policy, with a 145% tariff on Chinese imports and a 90-day tariff hiatus for other countries, has drawn criticism from retailers. While the administration argues tariffs defend U.S. manufacturing, economists caution that consumers end up paying the price in the form of increased prices. SmartScout data reported average price increases of 29% on 882 best-selling Amazon products after tariff announcements, with 25% of impacted sellers located in China.
Big retailers such as Target and Walmart have been pushing the White House for relief, citing tariffs constrict supply chains. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cited progress on trade negotiations with India, Japan, and South Korea but said tariffs on semiconductors and other electronics remain outstanding.
Consumer impact and seller dilemmas
Amazon retailers are under more pressure to eat the expense or go out of business. The site’s “buy box” algorithm favors low-priced listings, punishing sellers for increasing prices. Brands such as Anker and Govee have increased best-seller prices, and Amazon Basics products experienced small price hikes. Zulay Kitchen CEO Aaron Cordovez blamed the problem as a leading cause, saying, “We don’t see this resolving soon.”.
Though Amazon has countered that price increases are sporadic, analysts have cautioned that extended tariffs will reshape e-commerce. “Sellers are making gigantic changes,” said SmartScout’s Scott Needham, describing attempts to diversify vendors.
Political undercurrents: Bezos, media, and trade wars
The feud adds another layer of tension between Trump and Bezos, whose ownership of the Washington Post has long stirred presidential anger. While Bezos has been a guest at several events with Trump since 2024, the tariff controversy reflects ongoing distrust. Leavitt refused to discuss their relationship but reiterated Trump’s conclusion that Amazon behavior was “hostile”.
Critics contend the administration’s reaction muddles corporate openness with political opposition. “Posting tariffs isn’t activism-it’s consumer education,” wrote Trade Policy Analyst Lydia DePillis. But Trump supporters cast Amazon’s position as resistance to his America-first policy.
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