Trump targets high drug prices with new executive order

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12:38 pm

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Trump Takes Aim at High Drug Prices with Executive Order

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order designed to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. The order, announced Monday, directs the Department of Health, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to negotiate reduced drug prices with pharmaceutical companies. This move is a direct response to the high cost of medications, a long-standing concern for many Americans.

The administration's plan involves a two-pronged approach. First, the Department of Health will attempt to directly negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, the order outlines a plan to tie U.S. drug prices to the lower costs paid by other countries. This strategy aims to leverage the lower prices often found internationally. Trump emphasized that the U.S. would no longer subsidize the healthcare of foreign countries.

While the executive order is broad in scope, officials have indicated a particular focus on drugs with significant price disparities and high expenditures. Specifically, the order is expected to impact the price of GLP-1 drugs, which are increasingly popular for weight loss. These medications are in high demand, making them a prime target for price negotiations.

The pharmaceutical industry is expected to challenge the executive order through legal and political channels. The industry has a significant lobbying presence, spending considerably more than other industries. This suggests a potential battle ahead as the administration attempts to implement its plan to lower drug prices. The order represents a significant step in the ongoing debate over healthcare costs and access to affordable medications.

Keywords: Trump, drug prices, executive order, prescription drugs, healthcare costs, GLP-1 drugs, weight loss, pharmaceutical industry, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Department of Health, drug price negotiations, lower drug costs, affordable medications, medication prices, healthcare, lobbying, price disparities

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