Donald Trump says a well-known businessman friend takes a popular weight loss drug but is very concerned about being publicly named.
On May 12, Trump signed a major executive order aiming to significantly lower U.S. prescription drug prices.
The order aims to reduce the costs of pharmaceuticals by as much as 30 to 80 percent almost immediately.
Trump emphasized that U.S. prescription drugs often cost five to ten times more than identical drugs sold abroad.
Trump inspired by low drug prices in the UK
The President was inspired by a businessman friend who saw big price differences in weight loss drugs between the UK and New York.
This friend, described as “seriously overweight,” had been paying only $88 for a particular medication in London, compared to a staggering $1,300 in New York.
The price gap shocked Trump, leading him to accuse pharmaceutical companies of maintaining inflated prices for years.
Trump says business pal using Ozempic to lose weight is worried about being named
Trump’s mention of a mysterious businessman drew significant social media attention during his policy announcement.
Trump said: “A friend of mine who’s a businessman, very, very, very top guy… Most of you would have heard of him. Highly neurotic, brilliant businessman, seriously overweight. And he takes the ‘fat shot drug.'”
Although Trump was careful not to reveal his friend’s identity, he shared that the businessman had expressed concern about being publicly named.
“I’m just very glad I didn’t use his [the friend’s] name.”
He continued: “He’s very happy. He knows exactly who I was talking about. And he called me – that was interesting – he said he was very concerned that I might use his name, that I might slip. No, he doesn’t have to worry.”
Social media reactions
One user said: Everyone knows it’s you, Elon! — And your Grok says the same!
The second user added: Most people need to keep taking the fat shot otherwise the weight goes back on
The third user said: He is either taking about himself, Elon or hannity
The fourth user added: I thought Trump was talking about himself in the third person.
Another user wrote: Still say it’s James Packer.
Someone said: We all had an imaginary friend or two when we were quite young, but Trump never grew up so he continues to talk with them 78 years later.
Trump’s push to tackle pharmaceutical prices
Beyond the humor and mystery, Trump’s executive order marks a notable attempt to address long-standing issues in America’s pharmaceutical market.
By targeting the stark price differences that exist internationally, the administration aims to make life-saving medications more affordable for millions of Americans.
Pharmaceutical companies have often defended high prices by citing research costs and regulatory expenses.
However, critics argue that these justifications have been used to mask excessive profits at the expense of patients.
Trump’s move signals a shift toward greater scrutiny of the drug pricing system.
