In a high-profile announcement gaining national notice, President Donald Trump announced that he would sign an executive order intended to sharply lower the prices of prescription drugs in the United States.
The commitment is a move forward as he takes steps to reassert leadership on a matter touching millions of Americans: the high price of medicine.
Addressing a rally of supporters, Trump lambasted drug companies and previous administrations for what he said was a “failure to protect the American people from greedy drug companies.”
Trump presented the new executive order as a continuation of his previous work while in office, assuring this order would be “even tougher, even stronger.”
Though specifics of the order have not been revealed, Donald Trump suggested it will contain provisions that force drug companies to reduce prices or pay penalties.
Trump also suggested policy steps that might link U.S. drug prices to prices in other countries, a policy concept he had previously discussed during his presidency under the descriptor of “most favored nation” pricing.
Trump’s timing is significant, as it comes amidst increasing campaign activity leading up to the 2026 midterm elections. By addressing prescription drug costs, an issue that has perennially been among the top voter concerns, he is trying to extend his appeal outside of his base.
Analysts think that the action can have dual purposes: generating instant headlines as well as applying pressure to both the drug industry and political rivals. Donald Trump framed the executive order as a challenge to Democrats and Republicans in Congress, saying, “If they won’t act, I will.”
With the official signing anticipated tomorrow, the healthcare community and pharmacy industry are preparing for the blow.
Furthermore, critics will likely challenge the legality and implementation pace of such a broad mandate, while advocates might see it as a step long in coming to provide relief to patients.
Despite how the order goes, Trump’s declaration has already provoked debate and put drug pricing squarely back in the national discourse.
Whether or not the promised decreases come to pass is an open question, but for the moment, Trump has again positioned himself in front and center—this time, with a script for change.
