On Monday, as former President Trump signed an executive order that many are labeling as ineffective, he took a moment to share a personal anecdote that left many scratching their heads. This story revolved around a well-known, overweight executive who allegedly has direct access to the President, and it highlights the shocking disparity in drug pricing between the United States and other countries.
“Let me tell you a story. A friend of mine—he’s a businessman, a really big deal. Most of you probably know him. He’s brilliant but seriously overweight, and he’s on this fat loss medicine,” Trump began. He recounted this unnamed executive’s frustration over exorbitant drug prices, mentioning a situation where this individual paid $88 for a medication in London, while the same drug cost a staggering $1,300 in New York City. “What’s going on here?” he quoted the executive as saying.
This unusual tale sparked curiosity among listeners, prompting social media users to try and determine the identity of the executive in question. One popular hypothesis, generated by the AI chatbot Grok, suggests it might be Elon Musk. Given Musk’s public statements about using weight loss drugs like Ozempic and his high-profile status, this theory holds some credibility.
It’s likely that Trump was referring to Elon Musk in the quoted tweet. Musk has publicly admitted to using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and fits the description of a well-known, brilliant businessman. His international travel supports the price complaint scenario. However, the…
— Grok (@grok) May 12, 2025
While Grok provided some intriguing insights, it also raised questions about the accuracy of Trump’s description. The chatbot noted that the label “seriously overweight” does not align perfectly with Musk’s public image, showcasing the tendency of Trump’s storytelling to sometimes stretch the truth.
Interestingly, Musk has disclosed that he uses Mounjaro, an alternative to Ozempic, for weight loss. Both Mounjaro and Ozempic function as GLP-1 inhibitors, initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes but gaining popularity as effective weight-loss solutions.
Understanding the Cost Disparities in Weight-Loss Drugs
Regardless of who Trump was referring to, the widening gap in drug prices remains a pressing concern. In the United States, weight loss drugs like Ozempic cost significantly more than in other regions. For example, Senator Bernie Sanders recently confronted Doug Langa, president of Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk, during a congressional hearing. Sanders pointed out that while Ozempic is priced at around $92 (approximately €86) per month in the UK, American consumers are left to pay a staggering $1,349 (around €1,252).
The Debate Over Drug Pricing: An Ongoing Issue
This discussion isn’t merely academic; it spotlights corporate greed in the pharmaceutical industry. Sanders branded the inflated prices as a “profound moral issue,” emphasizing that affordable alternatives could be developed by other manufacturers. Following his inquiries, Novo Nordisk’s CEO promised to collaborate with pharmacy benefit managers to drive down costs, a commitment that might yield more tangible results than Trump’s recent executive order.
Why are drug prices so high in the United States compared to other countries? The United States has a unique healthcare landscape that includes fewer regulations on drug pricing, leading to significant profit margins for pharmaceutical companies.
Could generic versions of weight loss drugs become available? Yes, there’s a possibility that generic competitors could enter the market, potentially bringing down prices significantly, possibly to below €100 per month.
Is there a growing demand for drugs like Ozempic? Yes, as obesity rates rise, more people are seeking effective solutions for weight loss, driving increased demand for these medications.
What measures are being taken to address prescription drug pricing? Legislative efforts continue to promote transparency and possible caps on drug prices, but progress varies widely across the political landscape.
As you can see, the conversation around prescription drug pricing is complex but crucial. Although the anecdote shared by Trump might have seemed trivial at first, it underscores more significant issues affecting millions of Americans. It’s a reminder of the need for ongoing discussions and solutions in healthcare.
To explore more about the impacts of pharmaceutical pricing, visit Moyens I/O for insightful content that can keep you informed.