Trump Warns Companies Against Claiming Tariff Refunds They Are Legally Owed

Former President Donald Trump warned companies on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, that he would "remember" those that pursue refunds for tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court.

In a phone interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Trump about major corporations, including Apple and Amazon, that have not yet sought reimbursements for the tariffs they paid. Sorkin noted that some firms may be avoiding refund requests due to concerns about offending the former president.

Sorkin: There's a whole number of very large companies, including Apple and Amazon, that have not sought reimbursements yet for the tariffs. From what I understand, part of the reason is they're worried about offending you.

Trump: I think it's brilliant. They got to know me very…

Trump responded by praising companies that refrain from seeking refunds, framing their restraint as a sign of loyalty to his administration. He stated:

“I think it’s brilliant if they don’t do that. I actually think if they don’t do that, they got to know me very well. I’m very honored by what you just said. If they don’t do that, I’ll remember them.”

His remarks suggest that businesses refusing refunds may receive preferential treatment from the White House, while those pursuing legal reimbursements could face consequences. Trump has a history of rewarding companies that align with his agenda or donate to his projects while criticizing those he perceives as disloyal.

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the tariffs grants companies the legal right to seek refunds for payments made under the policy. However, Trump’s comments imply that exercising this right could be met with political retaliation.

While such behavior would typically draw significant backlash from Congress and media commentators, Trump’s normalization of unethical practices may shield him from consequences.