The White House has strongly criticised Amazon following reports that the e-commerce giant considered informing customers about price increases caused by President Donald Trump’s latest round of trade tariffs, calling the move “hostile” and politically motivated.
According to a report first published by Punchbowl News, Amazon discussed plans to detail the price impact of the new tariffs on its Amazon Haul platform — a budget shopping site launched to rival fast-fashion retailers Shein and Temu. The company reportedly considered highlighting the portion of item costs linked to Trump’s import duties, though it has denied any such move was under consideration for its main e-commerce platform.
Nevertheless, the administration’s forceful response to the story reflects growing political sensitivity surrounding Trump’s new trade policies, which many analysts warn could drive up consumer prices and risk tipping the U.S. economy toward recession.
Speaking at a press briefing marking President Trump’s first 100 days back in office, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sharply criticised the reported move. “This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” she said. “Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years? This is just another reason why Americans should buy American.”
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has revived his protectionist trade agenda. His administration has imposed sweeping import tariffs of at least 10% on a wide range of goods, with Chinese products facing duties exceeding 145%. While the White House claims the policy will strengthen U.S. manufacturing and generate tax revenue, it has caused significant concern among retailers and importers.
The measures have already contributed to a drop in U.S.-China trade volumes and have sparked warnings about possible supply shortages on everyday items, including baby strollers and umbrellas.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration’s economic strategy during a press event Tuesday but sidestepped questions about whether the U.S. is currently in trade talks with China, its third-largest source of imports after the EU and Mexico.
Several online retailers, including Shein and Temu, have already announced price increases in response to the new tariffs. Chinese merchants account for nearly half of all sellers on Amazon’s U.S. marketplace, raising the potential for widespread price impacts.
Amazon has not commented publicly on the Punchbowl News report, and the BBC’s request for confirmation remains unanswered. The company’s founder, Jeff Bezos — who owns The Washington Post — has had a complex relationship with Trump. Though Amazon supported Trump’s 2024 inauguration and Bezos attended the ceremony, past clashes between the two men have been highly public.
In 2019, Amazon accused the Trump administration of interfering in the award of a major Pentagon contract, citing personal animosity toward Bezos.
While the latest exchange reignites old tensions, it also signals broader industry unease as Trump doubles down on his aggressive trade policy.
