On Monday, May 5, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order aimed at making it faster and easier to approve pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in the United States. The move is part of a larger push to bring more drug production back to the country and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said this order will help create more jobs and ensure the U.S. has better control over its medicine supply. The goal is to cut down on the time and red tape it takes for drug manufacturers to start operating in the U.S.
Tariffs on Imported Medicines Could Be Next
Trump also said he plans to make announcements in the coming weeks about the prices of drugs and new tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals. These possible tariffs come after his administration launched investigations into the heavy import of drugs and semiconductors. Officials say too much reliance on other countries for medicine and tech is a risk to national security.
If the tariffs are approved, it could make imported drugs more expensive but would also give a boost to American pharmaceutical companies.
Ban on Gain-of-Function Research Funding
In addition to the manufacturing order, Trump signed another important directive. This one stops the use of federal money for "gain-of-function" research. That’s a type of study where scientists change viruses to make them stronger or more dangerous in order to learn about them. Critics have warned that this kind of research is risky and could cause outbreaks if not handled carefully.
By banning this funding, the government hopes to prevent possible health threats linked to such experiments.
