Trump vows to reduce prescription drug price, fight opioid epidemic

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump announced a new initiative during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, promising to reduce the price of prescription drugs while still vowing to fight the opioid epidemic.

“One of my greatest priorities is to reduce the price of prescription drugs.  In many other countries, these drugs cost far less than what we pay in the United States,” he said.

“That is why I have directed my administration to make fixing the injustice of high drug prices one of our top priorities. Prices will come down.”

Trump said this would increase access to breakthrough cures and affordable generic drugs and could save the lives of patients with terminal conditions.

“People who are terminally ill should not have to go from country to country to seek a cure — I want to give them a chance right here at home,” he said. “It is time for the Congress to give these wonderful Americans the ‘right to try.'”

However, Trump said his administration will also help solve the opioid crisis.

“My administration is committed to fighting the drug epidemic and helping get treatment for those in need. The struggle will be long and difficult — but, as Americans always do, we will prevail.”

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