In his first major action on health care costs this term, President Donald Trump issued a multi-part executive order on Tuesday aimed at lowering drug prices and reducing costs for Medicare. The move comes as his administration seeks to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports that many experts have said could lead to drug shortages and price hikes.

President Trump directed his administration to help states import drugs from Canada. But a proposal to alter a Medicare program to reduce costs could wind up raising prices.

The president said the order would lower prescription drug prices for many Americans, including people on Medicare.