Donald Trump’s election victory brings with it a mandate from Americans who are tired of paying the highest prescription drug prices in the world. As he prepares to take office, he can deliver a significant win by doubling down on Medicare’s authority to lower drug prices. This measure aligns with his promise to lower costs for families and reduce government spending.

Though the program is successful, it has not achieved its full potential. After the first round of lower negotiated prices goes into effect in 2026, it is projected to save seniors $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs while reducing government spending by $6 billion. That’s just in the first year.

The last four years have been hard for Americans, with the rising cost of everything from gas to groceries. That has compounded a problem Americans have faced for years — excessively high prescription drug prices. Congress began to address this problem in 2022 with the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin costs at $35 monthly, allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers, and sets a yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription costs.

Unfortunately, some congressional Republicans are now calling for the repeal of the IRA. While there are legitimate concerns on many parts of the law, repealing the drug price reforms would be a grave mistake. Eliminating Medicare negotiation and the other provisions already lowering drug prices would leave seniors and taxpayers to pick up the tab. It would betray the people who voted for lower costs and fiscal responsibility.

The president-elect can take a critical step forward in his promise to streamline the government’s operations. Medicare negotiations have already saved the government billions of dollars in two years, and one of Trump’s most significant campaign commitments was the creation of his Department of Government Efficiency. Keeping the proven Medicare negotiations can complement the second Trump administration’s work if the goal is to cut wasteful spending and save the government more money.

Trump is known as a dealmaker, and this is his chance to cement a legacy of cutting costs for the American people. By protecting and expanding upon Medicare negotiation, he can ensure his administration delivers for the millions struggling to afford their medications and holds corporations accountable for their price gauging. This is a chance to go beyond President Biden’s modest steps and deliver lasting change.

As his second term begins, Trump should fortify Medicare negotiations to keep Big Pharma in check. It will save money for consumers and the government and help the president continue his record of delivering for the people. I look forward to seeing him uphold this critical measure as he begins his term in January.