White House slams Amazon over plans to show US tariffs in prices

WASHINGTON: The White House expressed sharp criticism of online trader Amazon on Tuesday for plans to show the contribution of US-imposed tariffs when displaying its prices, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

"This is a hostile and political act by Amazon," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Leavitt said she had just spoken to President Donald Trump by phone about the issue.

"Why didn't Amazon do this when the Biden administration hiked inflation to the highest level in 40 years?" Leavitt queried in reference to Trump's predecessor.

Amazon's move was another reason for US citizens to buy American, she said.

Asked whether Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was still a supporter of the president, Leavitt said she would not comment on relations between the two men, but repeated that Amazon's decision was hostile and politically motivated.

Bezos has in the past used his position as owner of the Washington Post to influence the newspaper's political stance.

Ahead of the November elections he halted a recommendation to vote for Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in a move that drew criticism from Washington Post staff and readers.

--BERNAMA-dpa

TAGS: White House, Amazon, US, tariffs, prices