Trump Asserts He Coerced Macron into Drug Price Increase with Tariff Ultimatum

Post by : Mina Rahman

Former US President Donald Trump alleged that he successfully coerced French President Emmanuel Macron to increase drug prices in France by leveraging the threat of substantial tariffs. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump recounted this alleged diplomatic exchange, while advocating for lower prescription drug costs in the U.S.

The 79-year-old Republican stated that he personally requested Macron to hike medication prices in Europe, contending that American consumers are unfairly burdened with higher costs for identical drugs. Trump detailed how Macron initially dismissed the idea during their conversation.

As per Trump, Macron resisted his push, which led him to escalate his demands by warning that failure to comply could result in a 25% tariff on all French products sent to the U.S.

According to Trump, this ultimatum shifted the discussion's dynamic, with Macron reportedly responding, “I see,” a remark Trump interpreted as a form of consent.

Trump has emphasized that European countries enjoy lower drug prices while U.S. consumers bear the financial burden. He advocates that raising prices abroad would enable pharmaceutical firms to lower costs for American patients.

This summer, Washington and the European Union finalized a trade agreement that imposed a 15% tariff on many European imports into the U.S. market. Despite this arrangement, French officials have not made any public statements or modifications regarding drug pricing.

There has been no formal acknowledgment from the French government supporting Trump's assertions, nor is there any indication that France has altered its pharmaceutical pricing policies due to the claimed conversation.

Trump’s remarks come as he continues to emphasize forceful trade strategies as a defining element of his leadership, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about healthcare expenditures and international trade dynamics.