Trump Calls Bezos, Amazon Caves on Publishing Tariff Costs

Amazon's Tariff Display Decision

• 💡 Amazon reportedly considered displaying how much Trump tariffs add to the cost of products on its website.
• 🎯 This move was framed as a potential demonstration that American consumers, not China, would pay for these policies.
• ⚠️ The Biden administration's inflation hike to the highest level in 40 years is mentioned as a backdrop to Amazon's decision.

Trump's Intervention and Amazon's Response

• 📞 President Trump reportedly called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos after learning of the tariff display consideration.
• ✅ Trump stated that Bezos was "very nice," "terrific," and "did the right thing" by quickly resolving the issue.
• 🥨 The transcript humorously describes Bezos as having "cracked like a pretzel" under pressure.

White House Stance on Tariffs and Amazon

• 🗣️ White House Press Secretary Caroline Levit called Amazon's potential move a "hostile and political act."
• 📉 Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik dismissed the idea that a 10% tariff would significantly change prices for most goods.
• 🚫 An Amazon spokesperson clarified that displaying tariff costs was never a consideration for the main Amazon site and nothing was implemented.

Competitors and Chinese Business Practices

• 🛒 Other e-commerce sites like Shein and Temu have reportedly implemented changes due to tariff costs, with Temu displaying an import charge at checkout.
• 🇨🇳 Levit cited a Reuters report about Amazon's alleged partnership with a Chinese propaganda arm, censoring user reviews on its China website for Xi Jinping's speeches.
• 📈 This partnership is presented as a reason for Americans to "buy American" and for onshoring critical supply chains.

Amazon's China Operations

• 🤐 Amazon reportedly complied with a Chinese government edict to stop allowing customer ratings and reviews on its Chinese website for Xi Jinping's book.
• 🤝 This compliance is described as part of a decade-long effort by Amazon to protect and grow its business in China.
• 🎭 The transcript suggests this is an example of companies currying favor with China.