Donald Trump Faces Backlash Over Math Error in White House Speech

During a speech at the White House on December 17, 2023, President Donald Trump attracted criticism after making a significant mathematical error regarding drug pricing. In his 18-minute address, Trump reflected on his first year back in office during his second presidential term, discussing key topics such as job creation, military strength, and illegal immigration.

Trump claimed that he negotiated with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and AstraZeneca, to reduce drug prices by as much as 600 percent. This assertion raised eyebrows, as such a reduction would imply that pharmaceutical companies would be paying consumers to use their products, a scenario that contradicts basic mathematical principles.

The President stated, “I negotiated directly with the drug companies and foreign nations, which were taking advantage of our country for many decades, to slash prices on drugs and pharmaceuticals by as much as 400 percent, 500 percent, and even 600 percent. In other words, your drug costs will be plummeting downward.” While negotiations have taken place, the actual impact of these agreements on consumers remains unclear.

In response to Trump’s comments, critics took to social media, highlighting the impracticality of his claims. One user on X noted, “BREAKING: In a manic, shouting speech, Trump demonstrated that he still doesn’t know math, as he insisted he’s slashed drug prices by 600 percent, meaning drug companies will be paying patients. That’s not how it works, Donald.” Another remarked, “A 600 percent price cut would mean drug companies pay you to take medicine. That’s not policy – that’s not knowing basic math.”

The reactions included humor as well, with one commenter jokingly asking if they would be paid to take insulin. Others pointed out the high volume of Trump’s speech, likening it to late-night commercials that intrude upon one’s sleep.

Despite the backlash, some defended Trump’s delivery, arguing that his message may have been misinterpreted. One supporter stated, “Trump’s delivery was clumsy so it sounds stupid. But what he really means is he’s removing the markup on drugs, which can be up to thousands of percent, and delivering drug prices at or near cost.”

As the public continues to evaluate the implications of Trump’s claims, the discourse surrounding drug pricing negotiations remains a contentious topic. Observers are keen to see if these discussions will lead to tangible benefits for consumers in the complex landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.