False claims trump just signed memo forcing big pharma to fully disclose all health risks on ads. fact check

Checked on September 20, 2025
Disclaimer: Factually can make mistakes. Please verify important information or breaking news. Learn more.

This fact-check may be outdated. Consider refreshing it to get the most current information.

Was this fact-check helpful?

1. Summary of the results

The claim that Trump signed a memo forcing Big Pharma to fully disclose all health risks on ads is supported by some sources, including [1], which states that President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum to ensure transparency and accuracy in direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertisements, including increasing information about risks associated with prescription drugs [1]. Additionally, sources [2], [3], and [4] provide further information on the actions being taken by the FDA to reform direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisement policies, including closing the 'adequate provision' loophole and stepping up enforcement action [2] [3] [4]. Source [5] also reports that the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a reform requiring pharmaceutical companies to include full safety warnings in direct-to-consumer ads, which supports the claim [5]. However, not all sources confirm this claim, as [6] and [7] do not mention Trump signing a memo related to Big Pharma and health risk disclosures [6] [7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide alternative viewpoints on the topic, such as the need for transparency in pharmaceutical advertising and the potential for misleading ads to impact physician prescribing habits and patient decisions [8]. Additionally, source [9] discusses the practices used by the pharmaceutical industry to distort medical literature and undermine clinical trial research, which provides context on the broader issues surrounding pharmaceutical advertising [9]. Furthermore, source [6] raises questions about the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, which may be relevant to the discussion of pharmaceutical advertising and transparency [6]. Key stakeholders who may benefit from increased transparency in pharmaceutical advertising include patients, who would have access to more accurate information about prescription drugs, and healthcare providers, who would be better equipped to make informed decisions about treatments [3] [5]. On the other hand, Big Pharma may face increased regulatory scrutiny and potential financial losses if they are required to fully disclose health risks associated with their products [1] [2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may contain potential misinformation or bias, as it claims that Trump signed a memo forcing Big Pharma to fully disclose all health risks on ads, which is not universally confirmed by all sources [6] [7]. Additionally, the statement may be oversimplifying the issue, as the sources suggest that the topic of pharmaceutical advertising and transparency is complex and multifaceted [3] [9]. The pharmaceutical industry and related stakeholders may benefit from a more nuanced discussion of the issue, rather than a simplistic claim about a memo signed by Trump [1] [2]. Furthermore, the lack of confirmation from all sources may indicate a need for further investigation into the claim, to determine the accuracy of the information and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue [6] [8].

Want to dive deeper?
What are the current FDA regulations on pharmaceutical advertising?
Did the Trump administration implement any changes to pharmaceutical transparency laws?
How do big pharma companies currently disclose health risks in advertisements?
What role does the FDA play in regulating pharmaceutical advertising claims?
Are there any pending bills or legislation regarding pharmaceutical transparency in the US?