President Donald Trump is on a quest to make America ‘fair’ again! In a highly anticipated announcement on Sunday, May 11, he revealed his plans to sign an executive order aimed at significantly reducing prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices across the United States by a minimum of 30%. The 78-year-old former president promised that these reductions would take effect "almost immediately," addressing a longstanding concern regarding the exorbitant cost of medications in the U.S. compared to other countries.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump articulated the perplexity surrounding the pricing of prescription drugs in America, pointing out that costs can be five to ten times higher than the same drugs manufactured in other parts of the world. “For many years, the world has wondered why prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals in the United States were so much higher in price than they were in any other nation,” Trump stated, expressing frustration over the lack of satisfactory explanations for such disparities in pricing.
He criticized pharmaceutical companies for attributing the high costs of drugs to research and development expenses, suggesting that Americans bore the brunt of these costs while other countries benefited from lower prices. “It has always been difficult to explain and very embarrassing because, in fact, there was no correct or rightful answer,” Trump said. He portrayed his forthcoming executive order as potentially the "most consequential" action in U.S. history regarding healthcare policy.
To alleviate these persistent issues, Trump emphasized that the new pricing structure would not only reduce drug costs in the U.S. but would also lead to price increases internationally, aiming to create a more equitable system. Trump said he planned to institute a “MOST FAVORED NATION’S" policy that pinned the cost of drugs sold in the United States to the lowest price paid by other countries for the same drug. The reduction in prescription drug costs in the United States would, he added, be counterbalanced by higher costs in other countries.
"Prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices will be reduced, almost immediately, by 30% to 80%. They will rise throughout the world in order to equalize and, for the first time in many years, bring fairness to America!" he proclaimed.
“Most favored nation" status is a World Trade Organization rule that aims to prevent discrimination between a country and its trading partners, levelling the playing field for international trade.
During his first 2017-2021 term in office, he announced a similar proposal to cut US drug prices but his plans failed in the face of strong opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.
Last month, the US president signed an executive order aiming to lower crippling drug prices by giving states more leeway to bargain-hunt abroad and improving the process for price negotiations.
What are the most commonly used and costliest prescription drugs in the US?
As of 2025, the most common and costliest prescription drugs in the United States are primarily used to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
According to a
study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy on April 24, the U.S. spent more than $722 billion on prescription drugs in 2023, a 13.6% increase from 2022. This is the largest uptick in spending in 20 years.
These medications are widely prescribed and contribute significantly to healthcare expenditures:
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. The monthly cost can range from $900 to $1,350 without insurance coverage.
Total Spending (2023): Approximately $38.6 billion
Indications: Type 2 diabetes, weight management
Apixaban (Eliquis)Eliquis is an oral anticoagulant that has become a standard treatment for various thromboembolic conditions. Its widespread use contributes to its significant total spending.
Total Spending (2023): Approximately $22.1 billion
Indications: Prevention and treatment of blood clots, stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)Trulicity is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that offers once-weekly dosing, enhancing patient adherence. Its popularity in diabetes management leads to high total spending figures.
Total Spending (2023): Approximately $16.3 billion
Indications: Type 2 diabetes
Empagliflozin (Jardiance)Jardiance is an SGLT2 inhibitor that not only helps control blood sugar but also provides cardiovascular benefits, contributing to its widespread use and high spending.
Total Spending (2023): Approximately $15.9 billion
Indications: Type 2 diabetes, heart failure
Ustekinumab (Stelara)Stelara is an immunosuppressant that targets interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, used in the treatment of various autoimmune conditions. Its high cost is associated with its specialized use and the chronic nature of the conditions it treats.
Total Spending (2023): Approximately $15.9 billion
Indications: Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease
These high costs are often associated with innovative treatments for rare or complex conditions, where the pricing reflects the development, manufacturing, and administration complexities. While some of these drugs offer potential cures with a single treatment, the financial burden remains a significant concern for patients and healthcare systems alike.
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