The White House has its own pharmacy—and, boy, was it shady under Trump

The White House has always been a symbol of power and authority. It represents the highest level of leadership and integrity in our nation. So, when I came across the headline “The White House has its own pharmacy—and, boy, was it shady under Trump”, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of shock and disappointment. How could such a revered institution be involved in something so questionable?

As I delved into the article, I was confronted with revelations that left me speechless. The White House pharmacy, operated by the White House Medical Unit, was not staffed by licensed pharmacists or pharmacy support staff. It was not credentialed by any outside agency. These glaring oversights immediately raised red flags.

The report detailed the excessive spending on brand-name drugs like Provigil and Ambien. Between 2017 and 2019, the White House pharmacy spent approximately $98,000 on Provigil, a drug used to treat excessive tiredness. The generic equivalent of Provigil is 55 times cheaper, making the choice to purchase the brand-name version rather suspicious.

Even more shocking was the revelation that prepackaged packets of controlled medications, including Ambien and Provigil, were handed out to staff members without any medical examination. These drugs were treated as party favors, distributed freely and without proper oversight. The lack of accountability and potentially dangerous misuse of prescription medications is deeply troubling.

The investigation was prompted by complaints in 2018 alleging “improper medical practices” by a senior military medical officer. While the report does not explicitly name Dr. Ronny Jackson, the timelines and circumstances align with his tenure as White House physician. The allegations of Dr. Jackson engaging in misconduct, fostering a toxic work environment, and misusing Ambien further reinforce the concerns surrounding the White House pharmacy.

It is disheartening to see the lack of oversight and responsibility within an institution that should uphold the highest standards. If a retail pharmacy operated in a similar manner, there would be severe consequences. Yet, it seems that the White House pharmacy operated with a sense of entitlement, immune to the rules and regulations that apply to others.

The implications of this revelation are far-reaching. It raises questions about the integrity and trustworthiness of the entire administration. As citizens, we place our faith in our leaders to act with honesty and transparency. When such gross misconduct occurs within the highest echelons of power, it erodes that trust and leaves us questioning the motivations and actions of those in charge.

This issue goes beyond political lines. It speaks to the fundamental values of accountability and fairness. It is a reminder that power, if left unchecked, can lead to abuses and corruption. We cannot let incidents like this be swept under the rug or dismissed as insignificant. Our democracy depends on holding our leaders to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

As I reflect on the revelations about the White House pharmacy, I am filled with a sense of disappointment and frustration. Our leaders should serve as examples of integrity and honor. They should prioritize the well-being and interests of the nation over personal gain. Unfortunately, the actions described in this article do not align with those ideals.

Moving forward, it is crucial that we demand greater accountability and transparency from our leaders. We must hold them to the same standards that we would hold any other citizen to. Only then can we restore faith in our institutions and ensure that the White House, and all those who serve within it, live up to the principles and values that our nation holds dear.