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Trump Signs Memo to Combat Misleading Drug Ads Online

9/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

President Trump signed a memorandum to strengthen enforcement against misleading prescription drug ads on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The FDA plans to revise the “adequate provision” standard to close loopholes in brief ads that misrepresent drug risks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the order a “historic change,” despite not banning pharmaceutical advertising as promised.
The FDA reported a decline in enforcement, issuing only one warning letter in 2023, indicating a need for stricter oversight.
The initiative targets public health risks associated with the increasing spending on direct-to-consumer drug advertising.

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Story summary

President Trump signed a memorandum to strengthen enforcement against misleading prescription drug ads on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The FDA plans to revise the “adequate provision” standard to close loopholes in brief ads that misrepresent drug risks.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called the order a “historic change,” despite not banning pharmaceutical advertising as promised.
The FDA reported a decline in enforcement, issuing only one warning letter in 2023, indicating a need for stricter oversight.
The initiative targets public health risks associated with the increasing spending on direct-to-consumer drug advertising.