Trump Signs Memorandum Demanding Transparency in $10B Pharma Ads

President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum directing federal health officials to enforce greater transparency and accuracy in the $10 billion direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising industry, particularly targeting misleading drug advertisements and social media influencer campaigns. The memorandum assigns Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to ensure drug ads provide comprehensive risk information alongside promotional claims, aiming to protect consumers from advertisements that may overlook risks or promote medications over lifestyle changes. The administration plans to send over 100 cease-and-desist letters and thousands of warning letters to pharmaceutical companies that fail to comply with existing regulations, emphasizing enforcement in digital and social media channels. Officials highlighted concerns about social media posts by influencers that often lack proper disclosures and regulatory oversight, with studies showing that many such promotions omit potential drug harms. The move comes amid criticism that the FDA's prior enforcement has been insufficient, exemplified by recent high-profile ads that neglected to include safety information. Overall, the Trump administration is intensifying scrutiny of pharmaceutical advertising to ensure consumers receive full and accurate information about drug risks and benefits.