In a blistering social media broadside that sent shockwaves through financial circles, former President Donald Trump has threatened to exile Amazon from American stock exchanges, comparing the tech giant's alleged transgressions to those of Chinese companies.
The 'Great Betrayal' Allegation
Taking to his Truth Social platform, the Republican presidential frontrunner launched an extraordinary attack against Jeff Bezos' empire, accusing Amazon of committing what he termed "treason" against United States interests.
"If I'm President, we will immediately BAN Amazon from the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ," Trump declared in his characteristic capital-letter style. "They have betrayed our Country, just like many of the China companies have!"
Wall Street in the Crosshairs
The threat represents a significant escalation in Trump's long-running feud with Amazon and its founder, though the former president provided no specific evidence or detailed explanation for his treason allegations.
Financial analysts were quick to note the profound implications such a move would have on US markets. Amazon currently stands as one of the most valuable companies traded on American exchanges, with a market capitalisation exceeding $1.8 trillion.
Historical Precedent: The China Comparison
Trump's reference to Chinese companies recalls his administration's previous confrontations with Beijing-listed firms. During his presidency, Trump signed legislation that could delist Chinese companies from US exchanges if they fail to comply with American auditing standards for three consecutive years.
However, applying similar treatment to a homegrown American technology behemoth would represent unprecedented intervention in domestic markets.
The Bezos-Trump Feud Escalates
This latest salvo continues years of tension between Trump and Amazon leadership:
- Washington Post ownership: Trump has frequently criticised Bezos' ownership of the newspaper, alleging political bias
- Contract disputes: The former president previously attacked Amazon's cloud computing division over a rejected government contract
- Tax allegations: Trump has repeatedly claimed Amazon pays insufficient taxes, though the company disputes this
The timing of this explosive statement, coming as Trump campaigns for a return to the White House, suggests corporate America should prepare for renewed confrontations should he secure the Republican nomination and victory in November.
Market Reaction and Legal Realities
While Trump's threat captured headlines, legal experts question whether a president possesses the authority to unilaterally remove a specific company from stock exchanges without congressional action or regulatory due process.
"The Securities and Exchange Commission and stock exchanges operate with considerable independence," noted one financial regulation specialist. "While presidential pressure can influence regulatory direction, directly ordering the delisting of a specific company would test the boundaries of executive power."
Nevertheless, the statement serves as a stark warning to technology giants that a second Trump administration could bring renewed scrutiny and confrontation to America's corporate landscape.
