Trump Discusses Iran War and Prescription Costs at Thermo Fisher Scientific

President Trump spoke about the Iran conflict and his administration's efforts to lower drug prices during a visit to the life science company's facility.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:38pm

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President Donald Trump visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in Reading, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, where he briefly discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran and his administration's work to lower prescription drug prices for Americans. Trump described the Iran situation as an "excursion" rather than a war, claiming the U.S. had already destroyed many Iranian missile sites. He also touted his administration's efforts to reduce drug costs, which he said were previously "double, triple, quadruple" what other nations were paying.

Why it matters

Trump's comments on the Iran conflict and prescription drug prices provide insight into his administration's policies and priorities. The visit to Thermo Fisher Scientific, a major life sciences company, also highlights the administration's engagement with the pharmaceutical industry as it works to address rising healthcare costs.

The details

During his remarks, Trump said the U.S. had to take "a little couple of weeks, few weeks of excursion" against Iran, claiming the country had thousands of missiles that were being destroyed before they could be used. When asked if it was a war or an excursion, Trump said "both." He also touted his administration's work to lower prescription drug prices in the U.S., which he said were previously far higher than in other countries.

  • Trump visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in Reading, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who visited Thermo Fisher Scientific to discuss the Iran conflict and his administration's efforts to lower prescription drug prices.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

A major life sciences company that hosted President Trump's visit to discuss healthcare and economic issues.

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What they’re saying

“We had to take this little couple of weeks, few weeks of excursion, but it's been incredible. We got many now we're knocking out the drone plants, as you know, going fast. It's not war but an excursion.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“They had 1,000s of missiles, 7,000, 8,000 missiles. We got many of them before they got to lunch. It's an excursion that will keep us out of a war, and going to be war for them. It's not a war for us. It's turned out to be easier than we thought.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“In America, we were paying the most for drugs. We were paying more than any other nation by far, and I don't mean by a little bit, but like double, triple, quadruple.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The President is scheduled to visit Verst Logistics in Hebron, Kentucky later on Wednesday to discuss his administration's economic policies.

The takeaway

President Trump's visit to Thermo Fisher Scientific highlights his administration's focus on healthcare and economic issues, particularly its efforts to lower prescription drug prices and address ongoing conflicts abroad. The trip provides a window into the President's priorities as he seeks to build support ahead of the 2028 election.