In the latest twist in his ongoing trade war, President Donald Trump didn’t hold back when he learned that Amazon was considering adding the cost of tariffs to the price tags of its products.
After the news broke, the President personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, making it clear that he was furious over the proposed move.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump was “absolutely upset,” calling the retailer’s decision a “hostile and political act” against America.
White House’s Strong Reaction to Amazon’s Proposal
The White House wasted no time in criticizing Amazon’s plan, which aimed to display the additional cost of tariffs on imported goods, especially those from China, alongside the regular price of products listed on the site.
Leavitt, speaking to the press, was quick to accuse Amazon of taking sides in a partisan manner.
“Why didn’t Amazon do this when the Biden administration was pushing inflation to its highest in 40 years?” she asked, showing her outrage at the timing of the company’s decision.
Shortly after the phone call between Trump and Bezos, an Amazon spokesperson clarified the situation, telling Reuters that the tariff labeling idea had never been approved and would not be implemented.
“It was simply a consideration,” they explained, adding that the plan was never finalized.
Allegations of Political Bias and Chinese Influence
Leavitt didn’t stop there. She went on to accuse Amazon of serving as a “willing tool” of Chinese propaganda, pointing to a 2021 partnership Amazon had with a Chinese government-backed propaganda agency.
In that partnership, Amazon reportedly removed negative reviews and comments on Chinese books, prompting further scrutiny of the company’s ties to Beijing.
Leavitt raised concerns about how former Obama press secretary Jay Carney, who later became Amazon’s head of global lobbying, traveled to China and worked on documents that helped meet Chinese officials’ demands.
These criticisms come at a time when Trump is aggressively defending his tariff policies, which he claims are necessary to bring jobs and manufacturing back to the U.S.
However, the economic reality of his trade war with China has shown a different picture, with American households bearing the brunt of the financial consequences.
Economic Impact of Tariffs on U.S. Households
The tariffs, aimed at discouraging Chinese imports, have caused significant price hikes across various products.
A study by Yale University’s Budget Lab estimated that U.S. households could face an additional $4,400 in costs annually due to these tariffs.
As a result, many consumers are feeling the sting of higher prices on everyday goods and services.
This financial burden is further compounded by the ongoing strain in the global economy, which has led to rising inflation.
As part of his broader tariff strategy, Trump has also taken aim at Chinese-owned online shopping platforms, like Temu and Shein, by eliminating a trade loophole that allowed packages under $800 to enter the U.S. without tariffs.
The president’s critics have pointed out that while his intentions may be to protect American industries, the tariffs are causing financial stress for the average consumer.
Trump’s Declining Approval and Economic Concerns
While Trump’s loyal base continues to support his hardline approach to tariffs, the wider public is showing growing concern.
Recent polls show a decline in Trump’s approval ratings, particularly as the economic impact of his policies begins to take a toll on everyday Americans.
A poll by Daily Mail/J.L. Partners revealed that Trump’s approval dropped by nine points, from 54% in mid-April to 45% by the end of the month.
Many voters are expressing dissatisfaction over rising costs, with six out of ten respondents saying the economy is either bad or getting worse.
Some voters, particularly those who supported Trump in the 2024 election, are now voicing concerns that the president’s policies, especially his tariffs, are pushing the country into further economic uncertainty.
“He’s pushing policies like tariffs that could hurt us in the future,” one GOP voter from California remarked.
The President’s Defiant Stance Amidst Economic Fallout
Despite the dip in approval, Trump remains defiant, dismissing polls that reflect negative opinions about his tariffs as “fake news.”
In a public statement, he declared, “We are doing GREAT, better than ever before.”
He remains steadfast in his belief that his tariffs will ultimately benefit the U.S. by returning jobs to American soil, even as critics argue that the costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
In his first 100 days of office, Trump has been busy pushing a radical agenda, including slashing government spending and signing a slew of executive orders.
His bold moves, such as threatening to take control of Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal, have sent shockwaves through the international community.
However, it’s his tariff policies that have sparked the most controversy and concern, particularly among voters who are already feeling the pinch at the checkout counter.
The Border Success vs. The Tariff Controversy
When asked to reflect on his administration’s biggest successes and failures, voters overwhelmingly pointed to the border as his greatest achievement, with his tough stance on immigration receiving praise.
However, when it came to tariffs, the response was less favorable.
Many believe these policies are contributing to rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Trump’s first 100 days have been eventful, to say the least, and as the debate over tariffs continues, it’s clear that the economic fallout is far from over.
With international tensions running high and his domestic approval rating dipping, the President faces a tough road ahead in balancing his protectionist agenda with the concerns of everyday Americans.