Tensions flared in Washington on Tuesday as the White House slammed Amazon for its reported plan to list the cost of Trump-era tariffs directly next to product prices online.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t hold back during a press briefing, calling the move a “hostile and political act” after speaking with Trump about it earlier that day.
“Why would Amazon do this now, after the Biden administration has let inflation skyrocket?” Leavitt asked reporters. She also accused the tech giant of aligning with Chinese propaganda—an explosive claim meant to paint Amazon’s transparency push as more than just consumer-friendly.
The controversy stems from a Punchbowl News report that revealed Amazon will soon break down product pricing to show exactly how much tariffs, are adding to the cost. This information will appear right next to the full price, making the impact of tariffs more visible to shoppers.
When asked whether this move proves that it’s American consumers, not China, footing the bill for the tariffs, Leavitt stepped in, stating she had just discussed the issue directly with Trump.
