Press Article
Tension Escalates Between White House and Amazon on Trump’s 100th Day
On President Trump’s 100th day in office, a heated exchange unfolded between the White House and Amazon, ignited by a report suggesting the retail giant would display tariff-related price increases alongside its products. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Amazon of being “hostile and political,” asserting that such a move would clarify to consumers that they bear the costs of Trump’s tariffs rather than China.
The fast-paced back-and-forth included Trump reportedly discussing the issue with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Following this call, Amazon quickly denied that such a policy was in place. By Tuesday afternoon, Trump shifted his tone, praising Bezos as a "good guy" who resolved the situation promptly.
This exchange reflects a complex relationship between Trump and Bezos, where business interests often intermingle with political actions. Despite Bezos’s previous efforts to align with the White House—such as a $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund—this incident shows the fragility of such alliances when business decisions threaten political narratives.
Leavitt further criticized Amazon, recalling a 2021 Reuters article that claimed the company collaborated with a Chinese propaganda arm. An Amazon spokesperson clarified that while a similar pricing idea had been considered for a new experimental platform, it would not be implemented on their main site.
As the U.S. grapples with trade tensions and ongoing tariffs, Leavitt’s remarks underscore the precarious nature of corporate-political relationships—highlighting that even allies can quickly find themselves at odds in a rapidly changing political landscape.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.