Nearly 90% of voters support prescription drug pricing reform, according to a recent poll conducted by Tony Fabrizio, a pollster for the Trump campaign. Clearly, President Trump got the message. Recently, the president pushed top pharmaceutical companies to “provide American families immediate relief from vastly inflated drug prices.” It’s a good step toward providing Americans in need with much-needed relief.
However, while President Trump is taking steps to deliver for older Americans and put pressure on pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription drug costs, Big Pharma is trying to weasel its way out of real change. For example, Big Pharma is currently fighting for legislation like the EPIC Act, which would end the powers that President Trump has to lower prescription drug prices. The drug industry claims they want these changes to preserve innovation, but that’s a talking point, not reality. A 2024 report revealed that major pharmaceutical companies spent more on marketing, stock buybacks, and executive bonuses than on research and development. They aren’t hurting for cash. However, if Big Pharma gets its way, it’ll mean higher costs for older Americans.
Already, many Americans, especially those 50 and older, face impossible choices between affording their medications and meeting basic needs. With many people living on fixed incomes, even small price increases can have a significant impact on their health and financial stability. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies continue to raise prices on essential drugs to boost profits, often at the direct expense of older Americans.
These same voters will be the deciders in the 2026 midterms. In the 2022 midterms, voters aged 65 and up had the highest turnout rate at 64.6%, followed closely by those aged 45 to 64 at 53.2%. These Americans don’t just show up; they drive outcomes. As the largest voting bloc in the country, they expect policymakers in Washington to take action on the issues that matter most to them.
The fact is that rising prescription drug prices affect every American. For too long, the debate in Washington has been dominated by industry insiders who profit from the status quo. By taking a firm stand against price-gouging, Republicans have a golden opportunity to build a broader coalition of voters who feel left behind by the political establishment. Championing affordable medicine demonstrates a clear commitment to the well-being of the American people over the balance sheets of global pharmaceutical giants. It proves that the GOP is the party of Main Street, not Wall Street. This is the kind of decisive action that resonates with everyday families and secures electoral majorities. The message to Congress is straightforward: follow the president’s lead and prioritize American patients.
Republicans in Congress shouldn’t cave to Big Pharma. Standing up to large drug companies that have been taking advantage of older Americans is good politics and good policy. Voters are watching closely to see who’s willing to fight for them, not just pay lip service. With the power to meaningfully lower drug costs in their hands, lawmakers have a clear choice. They can side with the pharmaceutical lobby or side with the millions of Americans who are sick of being gouged at the pharmacy counter. Delivering on this issue isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for maintaining the trust and support of older voters as they head into the 2026 elections.
President Trump and Republicans in Congress ran on a promise to put working families ahead of corporate interests. Voters are not interested in slogans. They want to see action. That starts with rejecting pressure from drug industry lobbyists who are now looking for a handout from Congress. Giving Big Pharma more leverage is not what voters want and would hurt older Americans most of all.
