Trump Rips Bezos Over Tariff Report Dispute

President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in a phone call Tuesday morning, expressing displeasure over reports that Amazon was considering displaying the cost of U.S. tariffs alongside product prices on its website. According to CNN’s Alayna Treene, who cited two senior White House officials, the call occurred shortly after an aide briefed the president on the story initially reported by Punchbowl News. The report claimed Amazon planned to show tariff costs to consumers.

The White House swiftly condemned the potential move, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeling it a “hostile and political act.” CNN’s Kaitlan Collins characterized the response as unusually aggressive, noting the shift in dynamic between Trump and Bezos. While the two previously engaged in public feuding – particularly regarding The Washington Post, which Bezos owns – they have since developed a closer relationship, with Bezos attending Trump’s inauguration and frequently visiting the White House.

Following the phone call between Trump and Bezos, Amazon clarified that displaying tariff costs was only considered for its Amazon Haul platform, not the main Amazon website. A spokesperson later stated the idea was “never approved” and would not be implemented. Jeff Stein of The Washington Post subsequently reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Amazon confirmed the plan was never under consideration for the primary site.

The incident highlights the increasingly complex relationship between the administration and one of the nation’s largest corporations. It’s a curious situation – a president known for publicly attacking critics now seemingly engaging in direct, albeit critical, communication with a former adversary. The White House’s strong reaction, however, suggests that even with improved personal ties, any perceived challenge to the administration’s policies will be met with a firm response. The speed with which Amazon walked back the potential change also indicates a sensitivity to the political implications of the issue. It remains to be seen whether this incident represents a broader pattern of interaction between the White House and major corporations, or simply an isolated instance of political pressure yielding a swift corporate retreat. Bezos has not yet publicly addressed the matter.