Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is inquiring whether Amazon founder Jeff Bezos received any special treatment from President Donald Trump following the company’s decision to abandon its plans to disclose tariff costs to customers. In a letter sent on Wednesday, Warren expresses concerns about the implications of this exchange and the potential for corruption related to tariffs.
The inquiry follows a phone call from Trump to Bezos on Tuesday, where Trump voiced dissatisfaction over a Punchbowl News report indicating that Amazon would display tariff costs alongside total product prices. Subsequently, Amazon issued a statement clarifying that the display of such costs “was never approved and will not occur,” asserting that the idea was merely “considered” for its Haul store, which ships items directly from China. Trump later told reporters that Bezos was “very nice” and had effectively resolved the issue at hand, according to The New York Times.
Warren characterized Bezos’ communication with Trump as “another instance of Big Tech colluding with President Trump to obtain special favors or support for his policies,” criticizing the decision not to disclose the effects of tariffs on Amazon’s products.
“If Amazon had enacted its plans to disclose tariff costs, it could have provided valuable information for consumers to understand the actual costs associated with President Trump’s widespread and inconsistent tariff policies,” Warren stated in her letter.
An Amazon representative, Tim Doyle, responded to Technology News, asserting that “the claims presented in this letter are incorrect,” while reiterating the company’s previous position on the matter.
Warren’s letter also seeks additional information regarding Amazon’s intent to display tariff costs prior to Bezos’ discussion with Trump and the timing of the decision to change these plans. She further inquires whether Trump threatened Bezos with “negative policy repercussions” if Amazon proceeded with showing tariff impacts, and whether any promises of concessions or exemptions from tariffs were given in return for reversing that decision.
This follows a similar letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook after Trump announced tariff exemptions for smartphones and other electronic devices.
Update, April 30th: A statement from Amazon has been added.
