Trump Targets Middlemen in Push for Direct-to-Consumer Health Care

President Trump takes aim at Pharmacy Benefit Managers and other industry middlemen to lower drug prices and empower patients

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Trump is taking aggressive action to reform the healthcare system by targeting industry middlemen like Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that have driven up drug prices and limited patient access. Through legislation, FTC enforcement, and the introduction of direct-to-consumer solutions like Trump Rx, the administration is working to remove layers of complexity, increase transparency, and put patients back in control of their healthcare.

Why it matters

For decades, the healthcare system has been plagued by rising costs, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of transparency - with powerful industry middlemen like PBMs profiting at the expense of patients. Trump's reforms aim to disrupt this entrenched system, promote real competition, and empower Americans to access more affordable care directly from manufacturers.

The details

Trump has signed legislation to prevent PBM compensation from being tied to drug list prices, removing the perverse incentive for PBMs to steer patients toward more expensive medications. The FTC, under Trump-appointed leadership, is also cracking down on PBM abuses that distort competition. Additionally, the administration is pushing direct-to-consumer solutions like Trump Rx that allow patients to access medications directly from manufacturers with transparent pricing.

  • In February 2026, President Trump signed legislation targeting PBM payment schemes.
  • The FTC, under Trump-appointed leadership, has been ramping up enforcement actions against PBM abuses in recent months.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is leading the charge to reform the healthcare system by targeting industry middlemen and empowering patients.

Andrew Ferguson

The current Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, appointed by President Trump to serve as an enforcer of healthcare competition and rein in PBM abuses.

Trump Rx

A direct-to-consumer healthcare solution introduced by the Trump administration that allows patients to access medications directly from manufacturers with transparent pricing.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

Powerful industry middlemen that sit between patients, pharmacies, insurers, and manufacturers, manipulating the system to their advantage and driving up drug prices.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Career politicians who, according to the article, have failed to meaningfully address the issues in the healthcare system that Trump is now tackling.

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What’s next

The FTC is expected to continue its aggressive enforcement actions against PBM abuses in the coming months, while the Trump administration pushes forward with its direct-to-consumer healthcare solutions.

The takeaway

President Trump's reforms are taking aim at the powerful industry middlemen that have long profited at the expense of patients, disrupting the status quo and empowering Americans to access more affordable, transparent healthcare directly from manufacturers.