President Donald Trump has publicly warned Walmart not to raise prices due to his recent import tariffs. In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump told the retail giant to absorb the added costs instead of passing them on to consumers.
Trump said Walmart should “eat the tariffs” and not blame trade policy for higher prices. He stressed the company made billions in profit and should help support his goal of boosting U.S. manufacturing jobs.
Walmart, which employs 1.6 million Americans, recently warned that products like bananas and children’s car seats may soon cost more. The company said tariffs are making imported goods significantly more expensive.
Trump dismissed those claims, saying both Walmart and China could afford to handle the cost burden. He urged the company not to “charge valued customers anything” extra due to the tariffs.
This move highlights a growing tension between Trump’s economic strategy and major U.S. businesses. Retailers and automakers have said higher tariffs will lead to rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
Economic experts are warning that Trump’s tariffs are likely to worsen inflation. Consumer sentiment dropped last week, with many Americans spontaneously citing tariffs as a reason for their financial worries.
Walmart’s CFO, John David Rainey, said a $350 car seat made in China may soon cost $450. He noted that while Walmart aims to keep prices low, there’s a limit to what they can absorb.
In April, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon met with Trump at the White House to voice concerns. Despite this, Trump proceeded with his plan and has also criticized other companies like Amazon and Apple for struggling with similar tariff challenges.
The administration temporarily reduced the 145% tariff on Chinese goods to 30% for 90 days. Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports have reached 25% as Trump targets immigration and drug trafficking.
Trump introduced a universal 10% tariff on most countries and intends to maintain these duties to fund the government. Talks with the United Kingdom are expected to preserve that 10% rate.
Additional tariffs have hit autos, steel, aluminum, and pharmaceutical drugs. Trump insists these measures are necessary to protect American industries.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has held interest rates steady amid the uncertainty caused by the tariffs. Powell has warned the measures could slow growth and drive prices higher.
Despite those concerns, Trump repeated calls for the Fed to slash interest rates. He claimed inflation is no longer a threat and said Powell might “blow it again.”
Trump warns Walmart over tariff price hikes as he pushes forward with his protectionist trade agenda.
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