U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he exerted direct pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron to raise prescription drug prices in France, threatening to impose comprehensive tariffs on French imports. Speaking to Republican lawmakers yesterday, Trump stated that Americans pay significantly higher prices for medications, asserting that the United States has “subsidized global healthcare for decades” and that his “Most Favored Nation” policy aims to end this imbalance.
Trump explained that he demanded Macron raise drug prices in France, noting that Americans pay up to “14 times the price.” According to the U.S. President, Macron pleaded before agreeing to the demands. Trump said he threatened a 25 percent tax on all French products if the French President did not agree to the price hike.
Trump recounted the exchange: “I told him, Emmanuel, if you don’t agree to everything we ask for by Monday, I will impose a 25 percent tax on all products coming from France!” He added, “He replied, ‘No, no, no, you can’t do that!'” while mimicking Macron’s voice in a pleading manner.
According to Trump, after a period of reflection, the French President agreed to his request. Trump stated, “Emmanuel told me… it’s a deal, Donald. I’ll be happy to raise my prescription drug prices by 200 percent, whatever you want, Donald, but please, don’t tell the people,” while again mimicking the French President’s voice.
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