He said in an interview with CNBC that the initial tariffs on medicines will not be high, but that the plan is to gradually increase them to 150 percent and then to 250 percent within 12 to 18 months.

"We want drugs produced in our country," Trump said, stressing that the goal is to bring pharmaceutical production back to the US.

He pointed out that he has already invited the 17 largest pharmaceutical companies to offer their medicines to the American Medicaid system at the lowest prices offered in developed countries by September 29.

The drug industry warns that high tariffs could drive up costs, discourage investment and disrupt the supply chain, putting patients at risk and reducing research and development funding.

In the last six months, the companies Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson have announced new investments in the US in order to gain Trump's sympathy, the American media house reminds.