Trump threatens 100% pharma tariffs unless firms make drugs in U.S.

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Thursday evening threatened pharmaceutical companies with a 100% tariff unless they build manufacturing plants in the U.S.

The tariff would begin on Oct. 1 and could affect all “branded or patented” drugs, the president said in a social media post. Companies could avoid it by building manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Trump said, defining “building” as “‘breaking ground’ and/or ‘under construction.’”

The post, part of a series of tariff threats that also included kitchen cabinets, countertops, and heavy trucks, comes days before a deadline the president set for pharma companies to lower their prices.