Amazon Says Proposed Website Tweak 'Not Going to Happen' After White House Blasted It as 'Hostile and Political'
The White House issued a sharp condemnation of Amazon on Tuesday, calling the company’s alleged plan to show the added costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs alongside product prices a “hostile and political act.”
During a press briefing held on Trump’s 100th day in office, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue directly, responding to a report from Punchbowl News which claimed that Amazon was preparing to display the financial impact of the tariffs on its platform.
Leavitt didn’t mince words, criticizing the idea as a direct attack on the administration’s America-first policies.
“This is a hostile and political act by Amazon,” she stated.
She continued by questioning the timing and intent behind Amazon’s reported decision.
“Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?” Leavitt asked.
She also referenced a past article suggesting that Amazon “has partnered with a Chinese propaganda arm,” referring to a 2021 report that said the tech giant had “survived and thrived in China by helping to further the ruling Communist Party’s global economic and political agenda, while at times pushing back on some government demands.”
Leavitt used the moment to promote broader support for domestic products.
“This is another reason why Americans should buy American,” she urged, encouraging shoppers to prioritize U.S.-made goods.
The tariffs at the center of the dispute, including a steep 145 percent duty on Chinese imports, are a core part of Trump’s assertive trade strategy, which Republican leaders argue defends American workers from unfair international practices.
Amazon, which sources approximately 70 percent of its inventory from China according to CNBC, is seen as especially impacted by these tariffs.
Following the uproar, an Amazon spokesperson clarified to Axios that the idea of listing tariff costs had only been explored within its discount-focused Amazon Haul section and was never approved for full implementation.
“This was never approved and is not going to happen,” the representative said.
Despite the clarification, Amazon’s stock dipped more than 2 percent in early trading, though it later rebounded by midday — a reflection of how Leavitt’s comments, and Trump’s influence, still resonate on Wall Street.
The incident is notable in light of Jeff Bezos’ recent gestures toward Trump. As recently as December, Bezos voiced hope for Trump’s return to the White House, saying he was “hopeful” about the administration’s direction and that he planned to “help.”
Bezos, who previously gave $1 million to Trump’s inauguration and joined him for dinner at Mar-a-Lago, had appeared to move beyond their prior disagreements. That context makes Amazon’s reported — though “never approved” — tariff feature all the more surprising.
Even with Amazon’s denial, the administration remains unsatisfied. Leavitt noted that she had spoken with Trump personally about the issue prior to the briefing.
This incident highlights the political stakes surrounding Trump’s trade approach — a strategy Republicans argue is essential to rebalancing the global economy in favor of American workers and businesses.