John Roberts pressed Howard Lutnick over President Trump's claim that prescription drug prices were cut by "400, 500, and even 600%," calling that wording "mathematically impossible." Roberts played the clip and asked whether the figures were hyperbole or fact. Lutnick said percentage claims depend on the reference point, offered an example of how numbers can be framed, and reiterated that the administration is focused on lowering drug, energy and interest costs with further announcements expected before year-end.
Fox Anchor Presses Howard Lutnick Over Trump's 'Mathematically Impossible' Drug-Price Claims
Fox News anchor John Roberts pressed Howard Lutnick during a recent interview after President Donald Trump claimed dramatic cuts to prescription drug prices — figures Roberts called "mathematically impossible." The exchange followed a discussion about declining consumer confidence amid improving economic indicators.
Background
Anchor Sandra Smith opened the segment by noting that consumer confidence has fallen roughly 16% since President Trump took office and asked why sentiment lagged behind other positive economic measures. Smith asked, "What do you see as that disconnect? Why are things going so well in so many areas, but yet consumer confidence is taking such a hit?"
Lutnick's Initial Response
Howard Lutnick pushed back on negative media coverage and summarized the administration's priorities: lowering drug prices, reducing energy costs and bringing down interest rates. He also highlighted efforts to attract large investments that he said would drive higher-paying jobs and boost earnings, calling it a "one-two punch" to improve the economy and lift confidence.
Roberts Challenges The Math
Roberts then turned to specific claims from the president's speech about prescription drug cuts and played a clip of Trump saying:
"I negotiated directly with the drug companies and foreign nations, which have been taking advantage of our country for many decades, to slash prices on drugs and pharmaceuticals by as much as 400, 500, and even 600%."
Roberts pointed out the arithmetic problem: "If you cut something by 100%, the cost goes down to zero. If you cut it by 400, 500 or 600 percent, the drug companies are actually paying you to take their product." He asked Lutnick whether the president's numbers were hyperbole or based on a specific calculation.
Lutnick's Explanation
Lutnick responded by explaining that percentage claims can depend on the chosen reference point. He offered an example: if a drug previously cost $100 and is now $13, you could describe the relationship in different ways depending on which value you use as the base. He acknowledged the phrasing "400, 500, 600 percent" is unconventional when describing price reductions, and said interpretations vary: "You could say it's down 87%, or you could say it would have to go up 700% to be the same one."
He reiterated the administration's goal of driving drug prices down and noted that lower drug costs can help reduce insurance premiums — because prescription spending is a major driver of higher insurance costs. Lutnick said more announcements on drug pricing would be forthcoming before year-end.
Takeaway
The segment highlighted a clash between a numerical critique from the anchor and a policy-focused response from the administration representative. Roberts emphasized the literal implausibility of the president's phrasing, while Lutnick emphasized the policy intent — lowering costs — and explained how different reference points can produce very different percentage statements.
