Former President Donald Trump’s administration implemented significant policy changes that impacted the healthcare sector, with notable effects on the medtech industry. During his tenure, Trump’s regulatory adjustments, workforce restructuring, and tariff strategies led to transformations in healthcare provision and industry operations within the United States. Key regulatory changes included alterations in how the FDA and other agencies handled healthcare policies. An initial overhaul of FDA guidelines disturbed industry stability, followed by rows over webpage removals and their subsequent restoration. Meanwhile, workforce restructuring saw substantial layoffs, especially within the Department of Health and Human Services, affecting federal agency functionality. Leadership within healthcare agencies also shifted, with appointments like Martin Makary as FDA commissioner and Dr. Mehmet Oz at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services signaling a realignment with Trump’s policies. Furthermore, Trump’s aggressive tariffs on international trade raised concerns over supply chain disruptions and rising costs for medical devices, prompting calls from industry groups for necessary exemptions. Trump’s administration emphasized deregulation and efficiency, significantly reducing government size and regulatory measures, while fostering economic protectionism. These policies triggered critiques, with stakeholders like AdvaMed expressing concerns over potential detrimental effects on innovation and patient care. The medtech sector’s challenges during Trump’s presidency highlight the ongoing tensions between policy reform, industry stability, and maintaining U.S. leadership in medical technology.
