Olivia Nuzzi shares insights on Trump's humility in court, while Dana Mattioli discusses Amazon's power and regulatory challenges. They delve into Trump's legal drama, body language, and aggressive market strategies of Amazon, with a focus on its relationship with the Biden administration.
Amazon used predatory pricing tactics to eliminate competition, forcing diapers.com to sell out.
Jeff Bezos' disdain for DC contrasted with Amazon's heavy lobbying, straining relations with regulators and political figures.
Deep dives
Amazon's Aggressive Strategy Against Diapers.com
Amazon employed predatory pricing tactics against diapers.com in a ruthless bid to eliminate competition, offering discounts and promotions that drove the rival company to the brink. Eventually, Amazon forced diapers.com to sell out to them by slashing diaper prices, rendering the rival's business model unsustainable.
Internal Conflict in Amazon's DC Engagement
Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, and his leadership team displayed a dichotomy in engaging with Washington, with Jeff's disdain for the DC scene contrasting with the company's heightened presence through lobbying efforts. Jeff's reactionary and rude interactions hindered the diplomatic efforts of the DC team, resulting in a scorch-earth approach that undermined Amazon's relations with government regulators.
Lina Khan's Impact and FTC Lawsuit Against Amazon
Lina Khan's rise from highlighting Amazon's monopoly concerns to becoming the head of the FTC has shaken Amazon's status quo. The FTC's lawsuit against Amazon for anti-competitive practices underlines the growing scrutiny the tech giant faces, with allegations of harming sellers, customers, and increasing prices in the online market.
Amazon's Troubles with Political Figures
Amazon's strained relationships with political figures, notably Trump and Biden, have had contrasting repercussions. Trump's vitriolic tweets and antagonistic stance towards Amazon raised concerns, while Biden's subtle but impactful distancing has affected Amazon's access and influence in policy circles, showcasing the delicate balance of navigating political landscapes for tech giants.
The one-time most powerful man in the world is now being told when to sit, when to stand, and what he's permitted to say. Scenes from the New York courthouse, with Olivia Nuzzi. Plus, Dana Mattioli discusses her book on Amazon, a modern-day Standard Oil, with huge power across numerous industries—but which is also on the outs in DC.