CAL THOMAS COMMENTARY MAY 14, 2025
PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL APPLY “MOST FAVORED NATION” STATUS TO AMERICA WHEN IT COMES TO DRUG PRICES. BEFORE LEAVING FOR SAUDI ARABIA, THE PRESIDENT SAID THE U.S. WILL NOW PAY THE LOWEST AMOUNT CHARGED TO OTHER NATIONS.
THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT DRUG PRICES IN THE U.S. ARE EXTRAORDINARILY HIGH, AND MANY TIMES THE PRICES OTHER COUNTRIES PAY. THAT’S LARGELY BECAUSE THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION REQUIRES EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND TESTING BEFORE A DRUG COMES TO MARKET. OTHER NATIONS ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF THAT RESEARCH AND ARE CHARGED LESS FOR THE SAME DRUG.
THIS MUST GET THROUGH CONGRESS AND BIG PHARMA CAN BE COUNTED ON TO LOBBY AGAINST IT. IF IT MANAGES TO WIN APPROVAL, COUNT ON LAWSUITS FROM THE DRUG INDUSTRY.
THIS MIGHT WORK IF THE U.S. ADDS THE COST OF RESEARCH TO THE PRICE DRUG COMPANIES CHARGE OTHER NATIONS. BUT THE PRESIDENT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE SUGGESTING THAT. AS WITH SO MANY OF THE PRESIDENT’S POLICIES, LOOK FOR THE LAWSUITS TO BEGIN.
CLEARLY IT ISN’T FAIR THAT AMERICANS MUST PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES IN THE WORLD FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WHILE OTHER COUNTRIES GET A HUGE PRICE BREAK. THIS LOOKS LIKE IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG BATTLE. I’M CAL THOMAS.
