Category: News

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new self-branded online platform, TrumpRx, designed to help Americans access significantly cheaper prescription medications, including weight-loss and fertility drugs. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, February 5, Trump said the website, TrumpRx.gov, connects consumers directly to pharmaceutical companies’ discount programmes, allowing them to purchase commonly used medications at reduced prices. “Starting tonight, dozens of the most commonly used prescription drugs will be available at dramatic discounts for all consumers,” Trump said, noting that Americans have historically paid more for medications than people in other developed countries. The initiative forms part of Trump’s broader push to address rising living costs ahead of the November midterm elections, with Republicans facing the possibility of losing control of Congress. Trump revealed that pharmaceutical heavyweights Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have agreed to slash prices on their popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs through the platform. Under the programme, Ozempic is expected to drop from over $1,000 per month to $199, while Wegovy will reportedly fall from about $1,300 to $199, with prices set to gradually increase after an initial two-month period. During the launch event, officials introduced a woman described as the first TrumpRx user, who successfully obtained a fertility drug at a discounted rate. Mehmet Oz, television personality and current head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the reduced costs could significantly expand access to fertility treatments. According to the White House, TrumpRx is debuting with discounts on more than 40 widely used prescription drugs. Consumers can search for medications on the website, print a discount coupon and present it at participating pharmacies to receive the reduced price. The platform builds on Trump’s recent pricing agreements with major drugmakers, encouraging them to adopt a “Most Favoured Nation” pricing model, which ties US drug prices to the lowest rates offered in other wealthy nations. In exchange, pharmaceutical companies have reportedly received incentives such as relief from administration-imposed tariffs. Trump has also urged countries including Britain and France to adopt similar pricing structures — a move that has caused diplomatic friction, particularly with French President Emmanuel Macron. Although the president previously downplayed concerns about drug affordability, he has increasingly shifted focus to consumer costs amid soft approval ratings on the economy. Republicans have privately warned that voter frustration over prices could damage their chances in the midterms. Trump has further cautioned that a Republican loss of Congress could reopen the door to impeachment efforts, adding political urgency to his latest economic push.