Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting US Prescription Drug Prices

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at drastically reducing prescription drug prices in the U.S. by aligning them with prices paid in other developed countries, targeting both commercial and government healthcare programs. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised Trump for his bold stance against pharmaceutical lobbying, calling him the most willing president to challenge the industry. However, Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democrats expressed skepticism, warning that the executive order is unlikely to survive legal challenges and urging Trump to support legislation instead to achieve lasting price reductions. Sanders highlighted that drug prices in the U.S. are significantly higher than in other countries due to pharmaceutical industry greed, and he offered bipartisan cooperation if Trump pursues legislative action. The executive order includes a one-month deadline for drug manufacturers to negotiate lower prices, after which the government plans to impose "most favored nation" pricing. Despite bipartisan acknowledgment of the problem, there is debate over the effectiveness and legality of using executive orders versus legislation to address high drug costs.