President Trump attacked Amazon with a pair of Saturday morning tweets accusing the company of underpaying for shipping while using the Washington Post as its lobbyist.
Trump called for “real costs (and taxes)” for Amazon, but did not mention billionaire Jeff Bezos, who owns both companies, by name.
In his first tweet, Trump wrote: “it is reported that the U.S. Post Office will lose $1.50 on average for each package it delivers for Amazon. That amounts to Billions of Dollars.”
While we are on the subject, it is reported that the U.S. Post Office will lose $1.50 on average for each package it delivers for Amazon. That amounts to Billions of Dollars. The Failing N.Y. Times reports that “the size of the company’s lobbying staff has ballooned,” and that…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018
A 2017 Citigroup analysis said the Post Office should charge $1.46 more per packages sent by Amazon and other companies that qualify for bulk-mail rates. The Post Office since 2013 also has delivered Amazon shipments on Sunday, but the precise details of the arrangement are not public.
Trump continued: “The Failing N.Y. Times reports that ‘the size of the company’s lobbying staff has ballooned,’ and that… does not include the Fake Washington Post, which is used as a ‘lobbyist’ and should so REGISTER.”
“If the P.O. ‘increased its parcel rates, Amazon’s shipping costs would rise by $2.6 Billion.’ This Post Office scam must stop. Amazon must pay real costs (and taxes) now!” Trump tweeted.
…does not include the Fake Washington Post, which is used as a “lobbyist” and should so REGISTER. If the P.O. “increased its parcel rates, Amazon’s shipping costs would rise by $2.6 Billion.” This Post Office scam must stop. Amazon must pay real costs (and taxes) now!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018
It’s unclear what tax policy Trump was referencing. Amazon started collecting sales tax in all states that do have a sales tax last year, ending a state-by-state policy that gave it a heavy advantage over brick-and-mortar stores.
