President Donald Trump noted that other countries, unlike the United States, set drug prices and pay less than half of what the United States pays for the same treatments. | Getty Trump renews attacks on high drug prices The president reiterates his desire to get the cost of prescription drugs ‘way down,’ claiming ‘the world is taking advantage of us.’

President Donald Trump took two swings at drugmakers over the high cost of medicines on Monday, bringing attention back to an administration priority that he has largely ignored for the past few months.

Trump reiterated his desire to get the cost of prescription drugs "way down," claiming during a Rose Garden press conference that "the world is taking advantage of us." Before a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Trump accused drug companies of "getting away with murder," repeating an attack line he first used shortly before taking office.


Trump noted that other countries, unlike the United States, set drug prices and pay less than half of what the United States pays for the same treatments. Trump said he wants to bring U.S. prices down to what other countries are paying, "or at least close" to that amount, and let those countries pay more for drugs.

His remarks echo claims, largely discredited by researchers, that U.S. drug prices are high because other countries pay less for medicines and don't contribute as much toward research and development.

It's unclear whether Trump's renewed criticism of the drug industry signals any forthcoming action. Even though he has repeatedly lashed out at drugmakers, there's been little indication he will crack down on prices.

A leaked draft of a still-pending executive order on drug prices this summer was favorable to the industry. The White House has also abandoned key pledges to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and expand importation of cheaper medicines from overseas. The administration has also appointed industry insiders to key posts.

Trump tied his harsh comments on drug prices to his broader criticism of Obamacare and his desire to remake the country's health care system. However, neither the White House nor Congress ever put forward drug pricing reform as part of efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, though Trump sometimes suggested they should be linked.

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Trump also attacked the drug industry for contributing "massive amounts of money" to politicians and campaigns. He suggested that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who was standing beside him in the Rose Garden, may receive pharmaceutical industry donations.

Trump said he doesn't need or want industry money, but he also benefited from the sector on the campaign trial and after his election. For instance, U.S. drug giant Pfizer made a $1 million contribution to Trump's inaugural committee, and Amgen donated $500,000, according to the Center for Public Integrity.