Trump and Democratic Rep. Elijah Cummings finally meet about prescription drug prices

According to a statement, “This meeting was a result of a January telephone conversation, during which Congressman Cummings said that he and the president ‘had more in common than differences.'”

“President Trump expressed his desire to work with Congressman Cummings in a bipartisan fashion to ensure prescription drug prices are more affordable for all Americans, especially those who need lifesaving prescription medications,” the White House statement said. “Reforming the Food and Drug Administration and reducing the regulatory burdens on drug manufacturers so as to enhance competition will help accomplish those goals.”

There was drama in the lead up to the meeting. During a press conference last month, Trump complained that the meeting between him and Cummings had not happened.

“I actually thought I had a meeting with Congressman Cummings and he was all excited,” Trump said.

That meeting never occurred, Trump said. “He probably was told by Schumer or somebody like that, some other lightweight, he was probably told — he was probably told, don’t meet with Trump. It’s bad politics. And that’s part of the problem in this country.”

Cummings responded at the time by suggesting he hadn’t met with Trump yet because he wanted to finalize his proposal to lower drug prices first. “I have no idea why President Trump would make up a story about me like he did today. Of course, Senator Schumer never told me to skip a meeting with the president.”