Amazon nearly did something brave. It was going to show us the truth: how much Trump’s tariffs are jacking up the price of everyday stuff.

Not in a footnote. Right next to the price tag.

That kind of honesty doesn’t go over well in politics.

The White House called it a “hostile and political act.” Trump called Bezos. A day later, Amazon folded. Transparency lost.

So did we.

Bezos has tried to make peace with Trump. He went to the inauguration. Made the Washington Post cross the line into boosterism.

Didn’t matter. Trump wanted control, not courtesy.

And when Amazon even considered telling the truth about tariffs, Trump threw a fit. Bezos backed off. Like he always does.

So let’s say Amazon hadn’t blinked. We here at The HollywoodBowles prefer facts over fascists. So here’s what you’d see:

• Bluetooth earbuds: $20 → $49
• Phone case: $10 → $24.50
• Desk lamp: $30 → $73.50
• Wireless charger: $15 → $36.75
• Power bank: $25 → $61.25
• USB-C cable: $12 → $29.40
• Smart plug: $18 → $44.10
• Laptop stand: $40 → $98
• Headphones: $50 → $122.50
• Fitness tracker: $35 → $85.75

That’s the price of policy. Not inflation. Not greed. A 145% tax on Chinese imports, passed right to your cart.

Temu and Shein are already showing the tariff hit. Their prices are spiking. Amazon almost did the same. Almost.

Instead, we get silence. A few whispers from the Haul division. A phone call. Then nothing.

Bezos didn’t want a fight. But Trump picked one anyway. And the guy who built the world’s biggest retailer backed down without a word.

So next time your cart total feels off, remember this moment. The truth was almost right there, in black and white.

Then it vanished.