Trump’s Drug Price Executive Order Splits Democrats: Hope or Hype?

President Donald Trump’s latest executive order, aimed at slashing prescription drug prices, has sparked a lively debate among Democrats on Capitol Hill. The order, which directs the Department of Health and Human Services to align U.S. drug prices with the lowest rates in other developed nations, promises reductions of up to 50 to 90% in some cases. But while some Democrats see potential, others dismiss it as more show than substance.

Rep. George Latimer, D-N.Y., expressed cautious optimism, noting, “If this keeps drug costs low, it’s a win for Americans.” Yet, he admitted the fine print needs scrutiny. Similarly, Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., called it a step in the right direction but reserved judgment pending details.

On the skeptical side, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., labeled the order as “more bark than bite,” suggesting it’s designed for headlines rather than impact. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, echoed this, doubting whether “a single patient will see a price drop.” House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., went further, calling the effort “disingenuous” and accusing Trump of political posturing.

In a surprising twist, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., took a bold step by introducing legislation to make Trump’s order permanent, arguing that Americans shouldn’t pay more for drugs than their global counterparts. “Let’s codify this and make it real,” Khanna urged on the House floor.

Trump, in an interview with Sean Hannity, tied the order to his broader “big, beautiful” budget reconciliation bill, which has drawn Democratic ire for allegedly threatening programs like Medicaid. He insisted the drug price cuts would win over critics, boasting, “Democrats will find it hard to vote against this.”

As the dust settles, the order’s success hinges on its execution. Will it deliver affordable medications or fade as another lofty promise? Only time—and the details—will tell.