Television advertisements rolled out in Tennessee accusing state lawmakers of “jeopardizing” TrumpRx, the prescription drug pricing program created earlier this year by the White House, through their support for Senate Bill (SB) 2040, which would prohibit vertical integration between pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which negotiate benefits and drug prices between pharmacies and insurance companies, and pharmacies.
The group behind the ads that started last Thursday, Shaping Health Initiatives for Tomorrow (SHIFT), has reportedly spent $500,000 on commercials opposing State Senators Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), and Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), who have all voted to advance SB 2040.
“President Trump made a promise to American families: lower drug prices, more affordable medicine, and a health care system that works for you. And Trump RX is making it a reality,” said SHIFT in its ad targeting Crowe, which it has posted to X.
The ad accuses Crowe of “jeopardizing that promise,” by “refusing to stop Senate Bill 2040, which would gut health care access and send prescription costs through the roof.” It states, “Rusty Crowe has a choice: stand with Trump and Tennessee families, or stand in the way.”
President Trump made a promise to American families to lower drug prices, and TrumpRx is making it a reality.
But @RustyCroweTN is jeopardizing that promise by refusing to stop SB 2040.
Tell Rusty Crowe to reject SB 2040 and stand with Trump. pic.twitter.com/HfYHzrw7mq
— Shaping Health Initiatives for Tomorrow (@SHIFTomorrow) April 2, 2026
Similar ads featuring Briggs and Lowe have been posted on SHIFT’s YouTube channel.
The group, which additionally appears to be active as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in Oklahoma, has also released three advertisements describing Tennessee State Senators John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), and Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) as “champions” for their opposition to SB 2040.
SHIFT’s ad campaign comes as SB 2040 begins to receive attention nationally, including from podcaster Katie Miller, who is the wife if White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.
“In Tennessee, there’s a bill that will close 134 pharmacies, disrupt specialty and mail-order services, and jeopardize TrumpRx access—including fertility meds for families,” wrote Miller in a March post to X, referencing CVS’ warnings that the legislation would cause it to close its Tennessee locations.
She wrote, “President Trump is fighting to lower drug costs. Why are state legislators trying to reduce access? More laws and regulations aren’t always good. This is bad for working moms.”
In Tennessee, there’s a bill that will close 134 pharmacies, disrupt specialty and mail-order services, and jeopardize TrumpRx access—including fertility meds for families.
President Trump is fighting to lower drug costs. Why are state legislators trying to reduce access?
More… pic.twitter.com/5gbEicKuDg
— Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) March 25, 2026
Real America’s Voice host Steve Gruber also made similar comments about the legislation last month, accusing Tennessee Republicans of opposing Trump’s healthcare agenda.
SB 2040 is currently awaiting scheduling by the Senate Calendar Committee for a full vote, while the State House version of the legislation will be considered by the House Finance, Ways, and Means committee on Wednesday.
– – –
Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “State Senator Richard Briggs” by State Senator Richard Briggs. Photo “State Senator Rusty Crowe” by State Senator Rusty Crowe.Â
