What is TrumpRx? Inside Trump’s new drug discount plan with Pfizer
Donald Trump. Picture: David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is launching a new initiative called TrumpRx, a direct-to-consumer website that will allow Americans to purchase medications at discounted prices without going through insurance companies.
The plan, unveiled at the White House, also includes a deal with Pfizer to lower prices on some of its most widely used medications. Trump framed the move as a groundbreaking step in his long-running campaign to reduce U.S. drug costs.
How Will TrumpRx Work?
According to officials, TrumpRx will act as a government-backed platform where consumers can buy medicine at rates negotiated directly with drugmakers. While the full list of medications is not yet clear, the site promises lower prices, direct delivery, and transparent costs.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump is “leveraging the power of the federal government to drastically cut drug prices for everyday Americans.”
The Pfizer Deal: What We Know
Trump officials confirmed that Pfizer will reduce the price of certain drugs sold in the U.S., though the scope of the cuts is still under negotiation. This follows earlier instances when Trump pressured the company to delay price hikes.
By tying the announcement to TrumpRx, the administration hopes to signal momentum in its fight against skyrocketing prescription costs.
The “Most Favored Nation” Policy Revival
Trump has revived his “Most Favored Nation” policy, which seeks to ensure Americans pay no more for drugs than patients in peer nations. Under his executive order, drugmakers must match the lowest global prices or face penalties such as revoked FDA approvals.
The pharmaceutical industry has pushed back, warning that importing foreign price controls could undermine U.S. innovation.
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Tariffs and Manufacturing Demands
The TrumpRx rollout comes just one day before Trump’s 100% tariff deadline on brand-name drugs manufactured abroad. Starting October 1, 2025, companies that do not build manufacturing plants in the U.S. will face steep levies.
Major firms like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Eli Lilly already have U.S. facilities, while smaller companies may be hardest hit. Trump has argued the tariffs will push companies to bring production back to America.
Could TrumpRx Really Lower U.S. Drug Prices?
Americans currently pay nearly three times more for medications than patients in other advanced economies, according to government data. Trump claims TrumpRx could cut prices by “100%, 300% or more”, though experts note those figures are mathematically impossible.
Skeptics argue drugmakers may respond by raising prices in other countries rather than lowering them in the U.S. Companies like Eli Lilly have already hinted at such strategies abroad.
What’s Next for TrumpRx?
While industry experts remain cautious, TrumpRx represents one of the most aggressive efforts yet by the Trump administration to pressure pharmaceutical companies. If successful, it could become a major part of his 2025 economic and healthcare agenda.
But with lawsuits, industry resistance, and global price shifts on the horizon, the ultimate impact of TrumpRx is still uncertain.
FAQ
What is TrumpRx?
TrumpRx is a new government-backed website announced by President Trump that lets Americans buy medications directly at discounted prices, bypassing insurance.
How does TrumpRx lower drug prices?
The program negotiates prices directly with manufacturers and passes discounts to consumers. A deal with Pfizer includes price cuts on certain drugs.
When does TrumpRx launch?
The official announcement was made in September 2025, with the website expected to begin rolling out by the end of the year.
What is the Most Favored Nation drug policy?
It’s Trump’s revived plan requiring drugmakers to match the lowest prices they charge in other countries or risk penalties.
Will TrumpRx include all medications?
Not yet. The list of drugs available on TrumpRx is limited, with details expected after negotiations with manufacturers.
How will tariffs affect drug prices?
From October 2025, brand-name drugs made outside the U.S. face a 100% tariff unless manufacturers are building plants in America.
Could TrumpRx actually reduce costs for patients?
Yes, but results may vary. Some experts say drugmakers may raise international prices instead of lowering U.S. prices to comply.