President Donald Trump has hailed Jeff Bezos as a “good guy” after Amazon abandoned plans to display tariff costs on its products, following a heated White House backlash. The decision came after Trump personally called Bezos to address the issue.
The saga began when reports surfaced that Amazon considered adding tariff charges to product prices, prompting a sharp rebuke from the White House. After Trump’s call and Amazon’s quick reversal, the two leaders appear to have patched things up, raising questions about corporate influence on U.S. policy.
The Tariff Labeling Controversy
A storm brewed earlier this week when rumours spread that Amazon might start showing the cost of Trump’s new tariffs next to product prices on its site. The White House, led by press secretary Karoline Leavitt, slammed the idea as a “hostile and political action,” accusing Amazon of trying to sway public opinion against the administration’s trade policies. Trump, reportedly “p*ssed off,” picked up the phone Tuesday morning to confront Bezos directly.
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Amazon’s Response: Within hours, Amazon clarified it had only considered the move for its discount Haul platform, not the main site, and insisted the plan was “never approved and not going to happen.” The company moved fast to calm the waters.
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Trump’s Reaction: By afternoon, Trump praised Bezos, saying he “solved the problem quickly.” The two reportedly had a cordial chat, with Trump calling Bezos a “good guy,” hinting at a potential thaw in their rocky relationship.
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Public Sentiment: Some see this as Amazon bowing to pressure, while others question if it’s a sign of deeper ties between Trump and big business. Posts on X suggest mixed feelings, with some cheering the resolution and others sceptical of the back-and-forth.
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Trade Context: Trump’s tariffs, including 25% on steel and aluminium, have stirred debate. Critics argue they raise consumer costs, while supporters say they protect American jobs. Amazon’s initial move might have highlighted those costs too clearly for the administration’s liking.
This quick pivot leaves many wondering who really has the power here—Trump or Bezos? It looks like a win for the president, but the story might not be over.
