Trump Vows More for Cancer Research, Lower Drug Prices in State of the Union

Last night in his third State of the Union Address, President Donald J. Trump announced his plan to amp up the fight against childhood cancer.

Sitting alongside First Lady Melania Trump was Grace Eline, a 10-year-old who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year. While starting radiation treatment, Grace also began fundraising for cancer, and has since raised more than $40,000 for the cause.

“Thank you very much, Grace. You are a great inspiration to everyone in the room,” Trump said.

Like Grace, the president also announced that he is also interested in bolstering funds for the field of oncology. Since 2018, funds for the National Cancer Institute have been increased by $79 million, bringing the federal budget for cancer research to $5.74 billion. This money goes toward clinical trials, addressing disparities and improving access to heath care.

Trump announced that he will ask Congress for an additional $500 million over the next decade for, “this critical life-saving research.”

Another goal that was expressed during the State of the Union was lowering drug prices.

“The next major priority for me, and for all of us, should be to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs — and to protect patients with pre-existing conditions,” Trump said, noting that in 2018, drug prices had their single largest decline in over 40 years.

Trump proposed requiring drug and insurance companies, as well as hospitals, to disclose actual drug prices. This, he says, will create competition and bring drug prices down.

“I am asking Congress to pass legislation that finally takes on the problem of global freeloading and delivers fairness and price transparence for American patients. Finally,” he said.