Trump’s Drug Prices “Order” To Pharma Is Voluntary

The New York Times reports:

President Trump signed an executive order that asks pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily lower drug prices. But it was not clear what legal authority Mr. Trump would invoke, and he threatened to “use the power of the federal government” if companies do not comply.

Trump also asserted that a reduction in drug prices will be part of the big congressional budget process. Such a provision has not been included in any legislative language released by the House or the Senate.

Prescription drugs do not make up 50 or 60 percent of spending in federal health care programs, as Trump just claimed. Payments to hospitals and doctors are a larger share of health care spending.

Read the full article. Thirty days to comply or else something something fake news.

Breaking News: President Trump signed an executive order asking pharmaceutical companies to voluntarily lower their prices, but cited no obvious legal authority to mandate changes. https://t.co/3CsKRYdRhl

— The New York Times (@nytimes) May 12, 2025