Donald Trump just took a flamethrower to Big Pharma—and maybe Elon Musk’s ego—while signing a sweeping executive order to slash U.S. drug prices.
At a White House event on May 12, Trump launched into a bizarre but headline-grabbing anecdote about a “brilliant, seriously overweight” businessman friend who uses the weight-loss drug Ozempic. Trump claimed the friend paid just $88 for the same medication in London that costs $1,300 in New York. “I said, it’s not working,” Trump quipped, drawing laughter from the room.
Trump on Ozempic: “A friend of mine who is a businessman… Most of you would’ve heard of him. Highly neurotic. Brilliant businessman. Seriously overweight. And he takes the fat shot drug… I said it’s not working.”— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) May 12, 2025
Social media exploded with speculation about the mystery man. Elon Musk’s name trended almost instantly. Musk has previously admitted to using weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and even dubbed himself “Ozempic Santa” in a 2024 tweet.
“The fat shot drug”
Lmao — @realDonaldTrump— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 12, 2025
Trump’s story wasn’t just a roast—it was a setup for his new policy. He signed an executive order directing pharmaceutical companies to match U.S. drug prices to those in the lowest-paying developed countries. The move targets blockbuster drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which can cost Americans over $1,000 a month.
“We’re done subsidizing the rest of the world’s healthcare,” Trump declared. “If they want to get cute, they don’t have to sell cars into the United States anymore.”
Trump says friend in UK on ‘the fat shot drug’ inspired plan for price controls and tariff threats to lower prescription costs. https://t.co/abc123— The Independent (@Independent) May 12, 2025
The pharmaceutical industry is already feeling the heat. Stocks for companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly dipped following the announcement. Industry groups warn that the policy could stifle innovation, but Trump isn’t backing down.
“Other countries should pay for research and development too,” he said. “It’s for their benefit.”
Trump signs executive order hoping to slash drug costs by 80%, shares story about ‘fat pill’ friend. https://t.co/def456— Iowa’s News Now (@IowasNewsNow) May 12, 2025
As for the identity of the “fat shot” friend? Trump isn’t naming names, but the internet has its theories. Whether it’s Musk, Chris Christie, or someone else entirely, one thing’s clear: Trump’s taking on Big Pharma with his signature blend of policy and provocation.
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