US President Donald Trump has threatened to hold Walmart accountable for potential price hikes due to tariffs, after the retailer announced plans to raise prices on some items. The move comes as the White House seeks to keep a lid on inflation driven by rising tariffs.
Walmart had stated that it could no longer absorb the costs of increased tariffs, which dropped from 145% to 30%, and would have to start raising prices this month. Trump criticized the decision in a Truth Social post, claiming that Walmart made billions of dollars last year and should “eat the tariffs.”
The president’s response comes after earlier warnings from Walmart’s CEO and other retail executives about the potential impact of tariffs on empty shelves and higher prices. The White House had previously dismissed concerns, but now appears to be taking a tougher stance.
Walmart’s decision is likely to have significant implications for consumers, who are already facing rising costs due to inflation. The retailer has promised to keep prices as low as possible, but will stop if margins become unsustainable.
The development highlights the ongoing tension between retailers and the White House over pricing in an era of rising tariffs. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Walmart’s price hikes will affect consumers and the broader retail landscape.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/17/trump-walmart-tariffs