Trump Said China Would Pay Tariffs; Now He Says Walmart Should

It used to be that China would pay for tariffs, according to Trump’s campaign messaging. Now? He’s demanding American retailers pick up the tab instead of passing those costs to shoppers, according to BuzzFeed.

This change of tune came after Walmart executives warned that tariffs would mean higher prices for everyone.

A new target for tariff costs

Recently, Trump took to social media, targeting Walmart with a clear message: the retail giant should “eat the tariffs” rather than hike prices for its customers, BuzzFeed reports.

It’s a public showdown that highlights a shift in Trump’s story on tariffs. He now admits that American companies are the ones feeling the direct hit from these import taxes.

Retailers caught in the middle

This new stance puts retailers like Walmart in a tough spot. Walmart, for instance, gets about a third of its U.S. merchandise from other countries.

With tariffs on Chinese goods currently at 30% (though that’s down from a staggering 145% and could climb again), retailers are staring down major cost increases they say they can’t swallow entirely.

Who really foots the bill for tariffs?

No matter how the rhetoric changes, the economic reality of tariffs hasn’t budged. Tariffs are essentially taxes, and American importers pay them at the U.S. border, not foreign governments.

Typically, these costs ripple through the supply chain and land on consumers.

Shifting burden, not just policy

This change in tone is a big pivot in messaging. Instead of insisting that foreign countries pay the tariffs, Trump is now essentially admitting that they affect American businesses.

The new strategy? Pointing the finger at these companies for any price hikes that follow.

What’s next for wallets and storefronts?

As this unfolds, retailers and consumers are left wondering who will ultimately pay the bill for America’s ongoing trade tussles.

Recent economic indicators show that retail sales growth has slowed, with inflation-adjusted figures declining in April 2025. This deceleration and decreasing consumer sentiment point to increased caution among shoppers in the current economy.