On May 17, 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Walmart for its plans to increase prices in response to tariffs imposed on imports. Trump suggested that Walmart should 'eat the tariffs' instead of passing the costs onto consumers, as reported by Reuters. This stance underscores ongoing debates about the impact of trade policies on consumer prices in the U.S.

Walmart responded by acknowledging the challenges that the tariffs, particularly those on Chinese goods, place on their operations. The retail giant indicated that despite efforts to mitigate costs, some price increases might be unavoidable. The situation reflects the broader difficulties faced by retailers who import goods from abroad.

This contention between Trump and Walmart highlights wider economic concerns, notably around how trade policies can affect prices and, potentially, inflation. As major retail players navigate these tariffs, the outcome could have significant implications for both U.S. businesses and consumers. AP News has noted that such disputes point to the complex interplay between government policies and marketplace dynamics.