Trump’s New Strategy – CEO Call! 

President Trump calls Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos over tariff dispute and gets his way, signaling a new direct-dialogue approach for handling business disagreements as part of his America First manufacturing agenda.

At a Glance 

  • Trump personally called Amazon founder Jeff Bezos about the company’s consideration to display tariff charges on products, resulting in Amazon abandoning the plan
  • Trump pledges to use similar direct-dialogue tactics with other CEOs when their actions conflict with his economic vision
  • The administration is implementing significant tariffs, including 145% on Chinese goods and a proposed 100% on foreign film productions
  • Trump argues tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing and claims companies, not consumers, will bear the cost
  • Business leaders and foreign officials warn tariffs may disrupt global trade relationships and increase consumer prices

Direct Dialogue: Trump’s CEO Intervention Strategy

President Donald Trump has established a pattern of directly engaging with business leaders when their actions clash with his economic vision. This approach was highlighted during his recent intervention with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos over the company’s consideration to display tariff charges on product listings. During an NBC News “Meet the Press” interview, Trump revealed details about the call that resulted in Amazon abandoning its plans to highlight how his 145% tariffs on Chinese goods might affect prices. 

Trump characterized the interaction positively, saying, “He’s just a very nice guy. We have a relationship. I asked him about [the tariff charge language Amazon considered including in listings]. He said, ‘Well, I don’t want to do that,’ and he took it off immediately.” The President confirmed an Amazon spokesperson’s statement that while the company had considered listing import charges, the idea was never approved for implementation. The exchange demonstrates Trump’s hands-on approach to business dealings that potentially conflict with his economic agenda.

America First: Tariffs as Manufacturing Strategy

Trump has made it clear this direct approach with CEOs isn’t a one-time occurrence. When asked if he would use similar methods with other business leaders, Trump responded emphatically: “Sure. I’ll always call people if I disagree with them.” He explained his rationale by adding, “If I think that somebody’s doing something that’s incorrect, wrong or maybe hurtful to the country, I’ll call. Wouldn’t you want me to call? [Former President Joe] Biden wouldn’t call because he didn’t know what was happening, but I do,” said President Donald Trump.  

Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports stand at the center of his economic policy. Recently, he announced plans to implement 100% tariffs on films made in foreign countries, targeting Hollywood studios that outsource production to cut costs. This decision has sent shockwaves through the global film industry, particularly affecting established production hubs in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and several European nations that have cultivated relationships with American studios.

Global Pushback and Industry Concerns

Trump’s tariff policies have generated significant international concern. UK lawmaker Dame Caroline Dinenage criticized the proposed film industry tariffs, warning they would harm bilateral business interests. “Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interests of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on US-owned IP (intellectual property), is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic,” she stated.

“President Trump’s announcement has made that warning all too real. Making it more difficult to make films in the UK is not in the interests of American businesses. Their investment in facilities and talent in the UK, based on US-owned IP (intellectual property), is showing fantastic returns on both sides of the Atlantic. Ministers must urgently prioritise this as part of the trade negotiations currently under way,” said Dame Caroline Dinenage. 

The Australian government has also pledged to defend its film industry, which currently benefits from a 30% rebate for big-budget projects. Screen Producers Australia expressed uncertainty about the practical implications of these tariffs, while Philippa Childs from Bectu highlighted potential negative impacts on the UK film industry, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced a $750 million scheme to reverse industry decline in his state.

The Tariff Transparency Dilemma

Companies increasingly face a difficult choice regarding tariff-related costs: absorb them internally, pass them to consumers without explanation, or be transparent about price increases and risk presidential criticism. After Amazon’s consideration to display tariff charges was reported, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the company as “hostile and political” during a news briefing, illustrating the potential consequences of transparency. 

Trump has consistently argued that tariffs are absorbed by companies, not consumers, despite warnings from businesses and economists. At a Michigan rally, he claimed, “we’re ending the inflation nightmare.” However, major companies like PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble have already noted the impact of tariffs on their earnings. Business leaders warn that extensive tariffs could disrupt supply chains, affect financial forecasts, and inevitably lead to price increases. 

As Trump continues his direct approach with business leaders, the strategy represents a significant departure from traditional government-business relationships, reinforcing his commitment to using tariffs and personal intervention to advance his America First manufacturing agenda.

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