in a whirlwind first week in office, President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to U.S. health care and life sciences policies, signaling a stark departure from the previous administration. through a series of executive orders and directives, the Trump administration has rescinded key initiatives, paused critical communications, and set the stage for a significant overhaul of the nation’s health care landscape.
On January 20,2025,President Trump issued executive orders that rolled back several of former President Joe Biden’s policies. Among the rescinded actions was Executive Order 14087, “Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for americans,” which had authorized the Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to launch three innovative drug pricing models: the Medicare High-Value Drug List Model, the Cell & Gene therapy Access Model, and the Accelerating Clinical Evidence Model. These experiments, aimed at reducing prescription drug costs, have now been halted.
Another rescinded order, Executive order 14070, “Continuing To Strengthen Americans’ Access to Affordable, Quality Health Coverage,” sought to expand enrollment in Affordable care Act (ACA) health insurance plans by extending enrollment periods and increasing funding for brokers.It’s repeal raises questions about the future of ACA enrollment support.
The Trump administration also rescinded several executive orders tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, including measures promoting testing, research, economic relief, and international cooperation. These actions, initially designed to prepare for future infectious disease outbreaks, have been dismantled, leaving uncertainty about the nation’s pandemic readiness.
In a move with global implications,President Trump issued Executive Order 14155, formally notifying the United states’ intent to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision, rooted in concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived political influence, marks a significant shift in U.S. global health policy.
Domestically,the Trump administration has directed key health agencies,including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),and National Institutes of Health (NIH),to pause all external communications and research grant reviews until february 1,2025. This directive has led to the cancellation of advisory committee meetings and public forums, creating potential disruptions for industry stakeholders and researchers.
Additionally, the administration’s moratorium on publishing regulations and guidance documents has prompted the FDA to remove certain guidance documents from its website and delay the release of others. This pause, coupled with the administration’s focus on rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has sparked debate about the future of regulatory transparency and equity in health care.
Key Executive Actions in Trump’s First Week
Table of Contents
| Action | Impact |
|————|————|
| Rescission of Executive Order 14087 | Halts CMMI’s drug pricing experiments |
| Rescission of Executive Order 14070 | Reduces ACA enrollment support |
| Withdrawal from WHO | Shifts U.S. global health policy |
| Pause on agency communications | Disrupts research and advisory meetings |
| Moratorium on guidance documents | Delays FDA regulatory updates |
These rapid-fire changes have left industry stakeholders and policymakers grappling with the implications. As the Trump administration continues to reshape health care and life sciences policies, the ripple effects of these executive actions will undoubtedly be felt across the nation and beyond.
Examining the Impact of Trump’s Health Policy Overhaul in His First Week
In a whirlwind first week in office, President Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to U.S. health care and life sciences policies, signaling a stark departure from the previous administration. Through a series of executive orders and directives, the Trump administration has rescinded key initiatives, paused critical communications, and set the stage for a notable overhaul of the nation’s health care landscape. To better understand the implications of these actions, Senior Editor sarah Collins sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned health policy expert, for an in-depth discussion.
Rescinding Drug Pricing Experiments and ACA Enrollment Support
Sarah Collins: Dr. Carter, let’s start with the rescission of Executive Order 14087, which halted the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s drug pricing experiments. What does this mean for americans struggling with high prescription costs?
Dr. Emily Carter: This decision effectively puts a stop to three innovative models designed to lower drug prices: the Medicare High-Value Drug list Model, the Cell & Gene Therapy Access Model, and the Accelerating Clinical Evidence Model. These were promising initiatives aimed at reducing the financial burden on patients, particularly for costly treatments like gene therapies. Without them, we’re likely to see continued challenges in making prescription drugs more affordable, especially for seniors and those with chronic conditions.
Sarah: Another significant move was the repeal of Executive Order 14070, which expanded ACA enrollment support. What are the implications of this?
Dr. Carter: This is a major setback for efforts to increase access to health insurance. The order had extended enrollment periods and provided additional funding for brokers to assist individuals in navigating the ACA marketplace. Its repeal could lead to lower enrollment rates, particularly among vulnerable populations who rely on these supports to secure affordable coverage. It also raises questions about the future of the ACA itself, as the administration appears to be scaling back its commitment to the program.
Withdrawal from the World Health Institution
Sarah: The Trump administration has also initiated the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) through Executive Order 14155. What does this mean for global health policy?
Dr. carter: This is a profound shift in U.S. global health policy. The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to health crises, including pandemics. By withdrawing, the U.S. is stepping back from its leadership position in global health, which could weaken the WHO’s ability to respond effectively to future outbreaks. It also signals a move toward a more insular approach to health policy, which could hinder international cooperation and data sharing.
Pausing Health Agency Communications and Research
sarah: The administration has directed health agencies like the FDA,CDC,and NIH to pause external communications and research grant reviews until February 2025. How might this impact the scientific community and public health?
Dr. Carter: this directive is highly concerning.The pause on dialog disrupts the flow of critical information to the public and industry stakeholders,while the halt on research grant reviews delays funding for possibly life-saving studies. additionally, the cancellation of advisory committee meetings and public forums limits clarity and stakeholder engagement. These actions could stifle innovation and erode public trust in these institutions.
Moratorium on FDA Guidance Documents
Sarah: Lastly,the administration’s moratorium on publishing regulations and guidance documents has led the FDA to remove certain documents from its website and delay updates. What are the broader implications of this?
Dr.Carter: This pause creates uncertainty for industry stakeholders who rely on FDA guidance for compliance and decision-making. Delayed updates could hinder the approval of new drugs and medical devices, ultimately impacting patient care. Moreover, the removal of existing documents raises questions about transparency and the potential for inconsistent regulatory enforcement. Coupled with the administration’s rollback of DEI initiatives, these actions suggest a troubling shift away from equity and accountability in health care regulation.
Conclusion
Sarah: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that these executive actions have far-reaching implications for health care, research, and global health policy. As the Trump administration continues to reshape the landscape, stakeholders will need to navigate a period of significant uncertainty and change.
Dr. Carter: Absolutely,Sarah. These rapid-fire changes underscore the need for vigilance and advocacy to ensure that policies prioritize the health and well-being of all americans. The stakes are high, and the decisions made in these early days will have lasting consequences.
