15 August 2017 - President Donald Trump’s condemnation on Twitter Monday of Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier for what he called “RIPOFF DRUG PRICES” was just his latest rebuke of the drug industry for its soaring prices. But six months into his administration, the president’s rhetoric bears little resemblance to his record.

Back in January, Trump had signalled his intention to go after powerful drugmakers at his very first news conference, accusing the industry of “getting away with murder.” The issue is top of mind for voters — a bigger health priority than repealing Obamacare.

But the White House has invested little political capital in the issue, appointing industry insiders to key posts while abandoning key campaign pledges to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and import cheaper medicines from overseas.

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