President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a 60-day ultimatum to major pharmaceutical companies: cut prescription drug prices for Americans or face sweeping federal action. The White House sent letters to top CEOs demanding “Most-Favored-Nation” pricing, meaning U.S. patients should pay no more than people in other wealthy nations. The move, one of Trump’s most aggressive efforts yet, targets soaring costs that leave millions of Americans rationing medication.
Drugmakers reacted with alarm, warning lower prices could stifle innovation, while critics argue Big Pharma has long used that excuse to justify massive profits. The ultimatum sets the stage for a fierce showdown, with Trump framing it as a fight to protect American families and end “global freeloading.” The outcome could reshape both drug costs and the future of U.S. healthcare.
