Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/trump-to-cut-drug-prices-us-china-cut-tariffs-saudi-aramco-needs-77-oil/
Health
President Trump has publicly announced he will be signing an executive order to drastically reduce pharmaceutical costs in the U.S. and that pharmaceutical companies will need to equalize pricing with other countries so that Americans are not paying disproportionately more than other nations. In his Truth Social announcement, he claims prices will decrease by 30-80%. A study reported by The Washington Post suggests that while U.S. drug prices are high, the country also has faster access to new medications compared to other nations, which might justify some of the pricing differences.
In other news, Trumpâs nomination of Dr. Casey Means for the position of Surgeon General continues to sparked debate within the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Critics, including Nicole Shanahan and Dr. Naomi Wolf, have expressed concerns that Means might prioritize Silicon Valleyâs interests in accessing government-held medical data, potentially affecting national security and health policy. This nomination comes after the dismissal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, who was found to have misrepresented her credentials.
Economy
The U.S. and China have reportedly made significant progress in their trade negotiations, agreeing to establish a consultation mechanism and reduce tariffs by at least half over the next 90 days. This deal is intended to prevent a full-blown trade war, acknowledging the economic strain from previous tariff escalations. Following the announcement, Nasdaq futures reportedly surged over 2%. However, skepticism about the long-term implications of the deal has been expressed by The Financial Times, questioning whether the âsubstantial progressâ would lead to lasting changes or just temporary relief.
Energy
Saudi Aramco, the worldâs largest oil company, has announced a $10 billion cut in its dividend, reportedly because they require $77 oil to sustain its dividend program. However, Bloomberg has reported that this might be linked to Aramcoâs strategy to invest more in renewable energy and diversify its portfolio, aiming to reduce dependency on oil revenue.
US Politics
Larry Klayman, founder of Judicial Watch and Freedom Watch USA, has highlighted over 233 federal court cases that he believes are aimed at obstructing Trumpâs administration. He has criticized the judicial system for what he perceives as a lack of random case assignment, suggesting political bias, and has proposed the creation of a Department of Judicial and Legal Accountability. Klayman also reportedly supports the suspension of âhabeas corpusâ to address border security, viewing the current situation as akin to a wartime scenario. However, CNN has reported on the increasing number of lawsuits against Trumpâs executive orders, focusing on the legal arguments made by the plaintiffs, providing a counter-narrative to Klaymanâs claims.
Relatedly, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has urged lawyers to defend the judiciary against increasing criticism, stressing the importance of legal professionals in upholding judicial independence. This follows remarks by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who have also emphasized the need for an independent judiciary amidst political pressures. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in a speech in Puerto Rico, described criticisms of judges as âattacks on our democracy,â providing an international perspective on the issue.
Geopolitics
Presidents Putin and Zelensky have agreed to meet in Istanbul on May 15 for peace talks, following Russiaâs proposal for negotiations without preconditions. This development has been positively received by President Trump, who views it as a potential step towards resolving the ongoing conflict. The talks aim to establish a ceasefire, though significant territorial concessions are not expected. However, skepticism regarding whether Zelensky is ready to make territorial concessions, particularly concerning the annexed regions and Crimea, has been expressed by Russian state media.
In a separate event, a video circulating on social media shows French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, and German CDU leader Friedrich Merz in a situation involving a white powder, allegedly cocaine, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The video, which has raised questions, shows Macron pocketing the substance. Mainstream media outlets like CNN and The Guardian have not mentioned this incident, focusing instead on the political discussions and support for Ukraine during the leadersâ visit to Kiev.
Sources
Silicon Valleyâs Data Play: The Controversial Rise of Casey Means to Surgeon General Nominee
Silicon Valley is scarier than any government agency, and far more powerful.
Source | Submitted by girlflower
Macron, Starmer, and Merz Caught in Suspicious Activity After Meeting with Zelensky
Macron quickly pockets it, Merz hides the spoon.
Source | Submitted by westcoastjan
Trump Questions High U.S. Drug Prices Compared to Other Nations
For many years the World has wondered why Prescription Drugs and Pharmaceuticals in the United States States of America were SO MUCH HIGHER IN PRICE THAN THEY WERE IN ANY OTHER NATION
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
America Under Siege: Larry Klayman Warns of Judicial Warfare and Civil Unrest
âItâs the worst scandal ever.â
Zelensky and Putin Set for Historic Peace Talks in Istanbul: A Ceasefire on the Horizon?
âI will be in TĂŒrkiye this Thursday, May 15, and I expect Putin to come to TĂŒrkiye as well,â
Sotomayor Urges Lawyers to Defend Judiciary Amid Rising Criticism
âOur job is to stand up for people who canât do it themselves. And our job is to be the champion of lost causes.â
US and China Make Substantial Progress in Trade Talks, Agree to Consultation Mechanism
US, CHINA MADE âSUBSTANTIAL PROGRESSâ ON DEAL
US and China Strike 90-Day Tariff Reduction Deal to Avert Trade War
He said there would be a â90-day pauseâ which would see both nations âsubstantially move down the tariff levels.â
Saudi Aramco Slashes Dividend by $10 Billion
Saudi Aramco cut its dividend by $10 billion
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Washington Post, CNN, The Guardian, Russian State Media, Bloomberg, The Financial Times.