CONTINUE TO SITE »
or wait 15 seconds

Omnichannel

Trump to Walmart: Eat tariff costs

Photo: Adobe Stock

May 19, 2025

President Donald Trump, responding to Walmart's news last week it would be raising prices due to tariffs, is telling the biggest U.S. retailer to absorb the costs and not pass it down to shoppers.

Trump made his declaration in a post on Truth Social over the weekend, according to the New York Post. The news comes on the heels of Trump's newly enacted tariffs and revised deal with China.

Late last week Walmart issued guidance it would need to raise prices given the tariff impact.

"We will do our best to keep our prices as low as possible but given the magnitude of the tariffs, even at the reduced levels announced this week, we aren't able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins," Doug McMillon, Walmart's chief executive, said on a call with analysts on Thursday, according to a New York Times report.

In his post Trump warned he'll be watching how Walmart handles tariff costs.

"Walmart should STOP trying to blame Tariffs as the reason for raising prices throughout the chain," Trump posted. "Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China, they should, as is said, "EAT THE TARIFFS," and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I'll be watching, and so will your customers!!!"

A good majority of American consumers, 75%, expect tariffs to take effect soon and 51% plan to cut non-essential purchases.




©2025 Networld Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
b'S1-NEW'