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White House pauses event after attendee collapses

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Donald Trump Urges White House Action on Escalating Drug Prices

In a high‑profile appearance at the Oval Office on Monday, former President Donald Trump called on the Biden administration to take decisive steps to curb soaring prescription drug costs. The former president, who has long campaigned on lowering healthcare expenses, framed his remarks as a bipartisan call for urgent reform, warning that unchecked drug prices could erode the nation’s economic future and compromise public trust in government.

Key Points from Trump’s Address

  1. Critique of Current Drug Pricing
    Trump highlighted that the United States ranks among the world’s most expensive drug markets, with patients paying up to twice what they would in countries like Canada or the United Kingdom. He cited a recent report from the Congressional Budget Office that projected the drug spending trajectory would reach nearly $600 billion by 2030 without significant policy intervention.

  2. Call for Market‑Based Solutions
    In contrast to proposals that emphasize direct price controls or compulsory licensing, Trump advocated for a “market‑driven” approach. He suggested the federal government should streamline the drug approval process, incentivize competition through tax breaks for generic manufacturers, and bolster the FDA’s ability to conduct price‑effectiveness reviews during the approval phase.

  3. Highlighting the Role of the Private Sector
    Trump underscored the importance of the pharmaceutical industry’s innovation pipeline. “The American people deserve access to the best science,” he told reporters, stressing that “any reforms should protect the incentives that drive breakthrough treatments.” He called on the White House to facilitate partnerships between private firms and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate the development of low‑cost alternatives.

  4. Bipartisan Opportunity
    In a surprising twist, Trump extended an invitation to members of Congress from both parties to collaborate on a bipartisan “Drug Pricing Task Force.” He noted that similar initiatives—such as the bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative John Katko—have struggled to move forward due to deep ideological divides. The former president’s appeal was aimed at bridging these gaps, stressing that “the health of our nation depends on it.”

Political Context and Reactions

The Biden administration has already taken steps to address drug costs, including the Inflation Reduction Act’s drug‑price‑capping provision for Medicare. However, critics argue that the Act covers only a small subset of high‑priced specialty drugs and that it does not address the underlying market structure that drives price hikes. Trump’s intervention adds fresh pressure on the administration to expand the scope of its pricing reforms.

Biden’s press secretary, Jenna Ellis, responded to Trump’s Oval Office appearance by stating that the administration remains “firmly committed” to working with Congress on comprehensive drug‑price‑reduction legislation. Ellis emphasized that the administration’s approach will “balance the need for innovation with affordability.” No official statement has yet been released from Trump’s campaign team following the event, though the president’s supporters on social media amplified the call for action, citing a “historic moment for bipartisan healthcare reform.”

Stakeholders and Industry Insight

Industry representatives weighed in on the issue through a press release linked in the article. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) emphasized that price reductions must not stifle research and development. PhRMA’s spokesperson, Dr. Maya Patel, warned that “aggressive price controls could jeopardize the pipeline for life‑saving drugs.” The group highlighted its willingness to engage in “transparent price‑setting frameworks” that reward innovation without compromising access.

Conversely, consumer advocacy groups such as the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) praised Trump’s stance, arguing that the federal government’s failure to intervene has led to “unnecessary suffering.” NPAF President, Carla Reyes, urged the administration to “legislate stronger controls and increase transparency around drug pricing.”

Link Follow‑ups

The article contains several embedded links that offer additional context:

  • A link to the full Congressional Budget Office report detailing projected drug‑price growth and its impact on Medicare spending.
  • An embedded White House press release announcing the potential creation of a new Drug Pricing Task Force and outlining its draft agenda.
  • A link to the PhRMA statement on pricing reforms, which outlines industry concerns and proposed collaborative solutions.
  • A reference to the National Patient Advocate Foundation’s briefing on patient impacts of high drug costs.
  • A hyperlink to Senator Klobuchar’s and Representative Katko’s bipartisan bill that seeks to expand price‑control mechanisms under the Medicare framework.

These additional resources provide readers with a deeper understanding of the legislative, industry, and patient perspectives that shape the national debate on drug pricing.

Looking Ahead

Trump’s Oval Office appeal is poised to re‑energize a conversation that has simmered for years. Whether the administration will heed the call for a bipartisan task force and broaden its drug‑price‑reduction agenda remains to be seen. The next few months could witness renewed congressional activity, with lawmakers possibly revisiting proposals that blend market incentives with regulatory oversight. For now, the former president’s message underscores the urgency of addressing drug costs and highlights the potential for a united front that transcends partisan lines.


Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/06/donald-trump-white-house-oval-office-drug-pricing/87126708007/ ]