Former President Donald Trump (R-FL) said he would cut pharmaceutical drug prices by 1,000% during his 2024 presidential campaign [1].
The statement draws scrutiny because the figure is mathematically impossible, highlighting a disconnect between campaign rhetoric and economic reality.
Trump made the claim at a campaign rally to appeal to voters concerned about the rising costs of prescription medications [1, 2]. He said, "We will cut drug prices by 1,000%" [1].
Analysis of the claim shows that a 100% reduction would bring the price of a drug to zero [1]. According to the CNN Fact-Check team, a 1,000% cut would imply a negative price, which is impossible [1].
Critics said the promise is a publicity ploy that ignores basic arithmetic [2]. The claim surfaced in reports during September 2025, though it originated during the 2024 campaign cycle [1, 2].
Prescription drug costs remain a central issue for U.S. voters, who often seek lower prices for essential medicines. Trump used the figure to differentiate his platform from his political opponents [1, 2].
Despite the mathematical error, the former president has consistently positioned himself as a candidate capable of disrupting the pharmaceutical industry to lower costs for consumers [1].
“"We will cut drug prices by 1,000%."”
The use of mathematically impossible figures in political campaigning often prioritizes emotional resonance and the perception of bold action over policy precision. In this case, the 1,000% claim serves as a rhetorical device to signal a commitment to drastic price reductions, even if the specific number lacks a basis in financial logic.
