Senate Leader Opposes Codifying Trump Drug Pricing Order

President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to reduce prescription drug prices in the U.S. by implementing a "most favored nation" pricing model to align Medicare and Medicaid drug costs with those of other developed countries. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and several other Republican leaders have expressed reluctance to codify this executive order into law, citing potential controversy and the strong influence of the pharmaceutical lobby. Analysts describe the order as largely symbolic, with uncertain legal standing and limited immediate impact, as significant pricing reform would require Congressional action. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the order, predicting it would be struck down by courts, and called for bipartisan legislation instead. The order's implementation involves the Health and Human Services Secretary setting target prices and potentially importing drugs from other countries, though concerns exist about the feasibility of such imports meeting U.S. demand. Meanwhile, tensions remain within the GOP, as House Republicans and Trump diverge on drug pricing approaches, reflecting the complexities in addressing pharmaceutical costs legislatively.