Trump often goes off script. What does that mean for his drug pricing speech?

WASHINGTON — President Trump is expected to deliver a major address on drug prices this week. And perhaps more than with any other president, Washington is wondering: What will he say?

There’s the version of the speech that top health officials have been touting and previewing for the last several weeks — the serious, “comprehensive strategy” that will result in a “profound modernization” of how the federal government pays for at least some drugs, to hear health secretary Alex Azar or FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb tell it.

But neither of those men will be behind the teleprompter this week. Because this is Trump, there is another possible version of the speech on everyone’s minds: the version in which he rips up his speech or otherwise ventures off script.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$20

for 3 months, then $399/year

$20 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In