Trump: You know, we've cut drug prices by 1200, 1300, 1400, 1,500%. I don't mean 50%. I mean 1400, 1,500%

The claim that drug prices have been cut by 1200% to 1500% is mathematically impossible and unsupported by evidence.

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified August 4, 2025

Trump's statements about cutting drug prices by over 1000% have been reported but are widely regarded as exaggerated and not grounded in economic reality.forbes.com bitcoinethereumnews.com ramaonhealthcare.com
Experts have expressed doubt that tariffs or other policies will lead to significant price reductions.news.cgtn.com
The Wikipedia article on Trump's second administration tariffs confirms increased tariffs but does not support claims of such extreme drug price cuts.en.wikipedia.org

The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

President Donald Trump, in his second term starting in 2025, has made statements promising dramatic reductions in drug prices, citing figures such as 500% to 1500%. However, percentage reductions over 100% are not mathematically feasible because a price cannot be reduced by more than its entire value (100%). A reduction of 1200% or 1500% would imply the price becomes negative, which is impossible.

Media reports and expert analyses have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such extreme reductions. While Trump has taken actions such as threatening tariffs on pharmaceutical companies to pressure them to lower prices, no credible data or policy has demonstrated actual drug price cuts anywhere near those claimed percentages. Experts doubt that tariffs or other measures will achieve such drastic price drops.

Therefore, the claim is false and misleading.

Primary trail