Amazon Haul: Jeff Bezos company said it considered breaking out a tariff charge. The White House called it a 'hostile' act
Share this @internewscast.com

The White House took aggressive aim at Amazon, which confirmed Tuesday it was considering displaying the added cost of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on certain items.

At a briefing Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the move a “hostile and political act,” adding that she had spoken about the matter with President Trump earlier.

Punchbowl News first reported that Amazon will soon “display how much of an item’s cost is derived from tariffs – right next to the product’s total listed price.” The move could directly illustrate to American consumers how Trump’s tariffs are affecting the cost of goods. Trump has slapped 145% tariffs on imports from China and a 10% minimum tax on all other countries.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, back left, shows a picture of Jeff Besos as she responds to a question about Amazon, during a briefing  at the White House, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Washington.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, shows a picture of Jeff Besos at the White House, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Washington.

AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta

An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement to CNN that the move “was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing has been implemented on any Amazon properties.”

Amazon, however, said it was considering the “idea of listing import charges on certain products” on Haul, its spinoff website that sells items below $20, but the change wasn’t rolled out.

“This was never approved and not going to happen,” an Amazon spokesperson said.

Trump called Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s founder, to complain about reports that his company was considering displaying the cost of US tariffs next to prices for certain products on the company’s website, two senior White House officials told CNN.

The call came shortly after one of the senior officials phoned the president to inform him of the story.

“Of course he was pissed,” one of the officials, granted anonymity to speak candidly, told CNN. “Why should a multibillion dollar company pass off costs to consumers?”

Other e-commerce websites, like Shein and Temu, have said they implemented changes to their pricing due to the cost of tariffs. Temu has even introduced a new import charge that is displayed at checkout. Both companies source most of their products from China.

Amazon (AMZN) shares fell about 1% in early trading.

Leavitt on Tuesday also cited a Reuters report from 2021 about an alleged partnership between Amazon and a “Chinese propaganda arm” that censored user reviews on its Chinese website for President Xi Jinping’s speeches and writings.

She said that was “another reason why Americans should buy American,” adding that “it’s another reason why we are onshoring critical supply chains here at home, to shore up our own critical supply chain and boost our own manufacturing here.”

Leavitt declined to say what the move portended for the relationship between Trump and billionaire Bezos. Bezos has actively worked to cultivate a relationship with the president in his second term, congratulating him on his November election and dining at the White House.

Amazon donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund and is producing a documentary focused on first lady Melania Trump.

Trump recently praised Bezos, telling The Atlantic in an interview published Monday: “He’s 100 percent. He’s been great.”

Bezos’ net worth has declined by $30 billion since the start of this year, according to Bloomberg Billionaire Index, partly as a result of Trump’s tariff policies and a decline in the stock market.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
California: Gas Line Explosion Shuts Down 5 Freeway Near Castaic

Gas Line Explosion Forces Closure of 5 Freeway Near Castaic, California: Traffic Disrupted

In a sudden and alarming event, the Interstate 5 (I-5) Freeway near…
Africa’s Christian Crisis: How 2025’s deadly attacks finally drew global attention after Trump’s intervention

Global Attention on Africa’s Christian Crisis: 2025 Attacks Highlighted Following Trump’s Involvement

JOHANNESBURG: Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of Christians are facing a perilous Christmas…
Knicks survive near meltdown vs. Hawks, 128-125

Knicks Triumph Over Hawks in Tense 128-125 Victory

Karl-Anthony Towns is hitting his stride, and the New York Knicks’ young…
Our Chicago: Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest Comes To Chicago

Chicago Gears Up for a Spectacular New Year’s Eve Bash with Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Show Hosted by Ryan Seacrest

CHICAGO — This year marks a significant milestone for “Dick Clark’s New…
Iranian president says his country is at 'total war' with the US, Israel and Europe: reports

Iranian President Declares ‘Total War’ Stance Against US, Israel, and Europe

Huckabee says Iran’s ‘ultimate goal is to destroy the US’ During a…
Russia strikes Kyiv, Ukraine, kills at least 1 person day before presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump meet in Florida

Russian Attack on Kyiv Claims Life on Eve of Zelenskyy-Trump Florida Summit

In a dramatic escalation, Russia launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and…
3 injured in fight turned shooting at Jacksonville Westside bar, officers said

Three Injured in Jacksonville Westside Bar Shooting Incident, Police Report

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a restaurant on Jacksonville’s Westside…
'Diff'rent Strokes' actress Melanie Watson has died

Remembering Melanie Watson: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of the ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Star

Melanie Watson, fondly remembered for her role in the 1980s sitcom “Diff’rent…
Tentative deal reached between hockey league and union players, ECHL says

Breaking News: ECHL and Players’ Union Strike Tentative Deal to End Standoff

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association…
Head of America's 'free enterprise' college optimistic about academia despite left-wing bias: 'there is hope'

Free Enterprise College Leader Sees Bright Future for Academia Amid Left-Wing Challenges

PHOENIX — At the helm of a Michigan-based private university, grounded in…
Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Ball gets a fresh crystal upgrade

Times Square’s Iconic New Year’s Eve Ball Dazzles with Stunning Crystal Makeover for 2024 Celebration

The iconic Times Square Ball is undergoing its latest transformation in preparation…
Major cities see violent crime surge as national rates plummet significantly in 2025: survey

2025 Crime Paradox: Major Cities Face Surge Amid National Decline – What You Need to Know

In 2025, the nation saw a decrease in violent crime, yet some…