Today's News: White House and Amazon Clash Over Tariff Transparency
The episode underscores the political sensitivity of Trump’s tariff policies and Amazon’s complicated relationship with the administration.
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Overview
Date: April 29, 2025
Topic: White House and Amazon Clash Over Tariff Transparency Proposal
Summary: A report that Amazon planned to display tariff-related price increases on its products sparked a swift and intense reaction from the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced the move as “hostile and political,” and President Trump personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to object. Amazon clarified that while the idea was briefly discussed for its discount platform, Amazon Haul, it was never intended for the main site and would not be implemented. Despite initial tension, Trump publicly praised Bezos later that day. The episode underscores the political sensitivity of Trump’s tariff policies and Amazon’s complicated relationship with the administration.
Sources
The New York Times: White House-Amazon Spat Culminates in Trump Calling Bezos ‘Very Nice’
CNN: A ‘pssed’ Trump called Jeff Bezos after learning Amazon considered breaking out a tariff charge*
NBC News: Amazon says it wont list tariff charges on ultracheap Haul site after White House calls idea ‘hostile’
Fox Business: Amazon denies tariff pricing plan that White House called 'hostile and political'
The Washington Post: Trump praises Bezos after Amazon denies plan to show tariffs’ costs
The Wall Street Journal: Amazon Rules Out Displaying Tariff Impact After White House Attack
Key Points
The White House strongly criticized Amazon over a report that it would display tariff costs on product listings, calling the move political and antagonistic.
Amazon clarified that the idea was only discussed internally for Amazon Haul, a discount site competing with Temu and Shein, and was never approved or implemented.
President Trump personally called Jeff Bezos to express disapproval, but later praised him publicly for resolving the issue quickly.
The administration has imposed high tariffs on Chinese imports and eliminated the de minimis exemption for low-cost shipments, raising costs for consumers and online retailers.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick framed Amazon’s reported move as undermining the administration’s messaging on tariffs.
Unique Highlights
The New York Times reported Bezos quashed a Kamala Harris endorsement at The Washington Post and cut a Melania Trump documentary deal to align with the administration.
CNN revealed Trump’s emotional reaction to the Punchbowl News report, quoting aides who said he was “pissed” and noted Amazon’s pricing move could visually undercut his tariff narrative.
NBC News emphasized that the pricing change was never considered for the main Amazon site and stressed the growing visibility of tariff costs on competing platforms.
Fox Business reported that Amazon stock fell after the White House press conference and highlighted the 2021 Reuters story cited by Leavitt about Amazon’s ties with Chinese propaganda.
The Washington Post provided broader economic context, noting supply chain disruptions, disapproval of Trump’s tariffs in polls, and similar pricing moves by Temu and Shein.
The Wall Street Journal detailed the policy shift ending the de minimis tariff exemption and described internal vendor negotiations Amazon is conducting to preserve profit margins.
Contrasting Details
The New York Times portrayed Bezos as conciliatory and politically strategic, while CNN and Fox Business emphasized Trump’s initial anger and the contentious tone of the administration’s reaction.
The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post offered deeper insight into the economic impact of Trump’s tariff regime, which was less central in Fox Business or NBC News coverage.
CNN quoted officials implying the White House viewed Amazon’s idea as potentially deceptive to consumers, while The Washington Post showed Trump downplaying the call as “good,” suggesting reconciliation.
Fox Business and CNN emphasized past criticisms of Amazon’s dealings with China, while The Wall Street Journal focused more on the competitive pressure from Chinese e-commerce rivals.
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