Man Collapses During Trump’s Oval Office Announcement
During a Thursday press conference in the Oval Office, a man collapsed behind President Donald Trump while announcing expanded Medicare coverage and price reductions for obesity drugs Zepbound and Wegovy. Officials immediately assisted him, and the press was quickly cleared from the room.
Immediate Response and Details
As the man collapsed, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, supported his head while he was lowered to the floor. The cause of the collapse was not disclosed.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly.”
Event Resumption and Additional Information
About an hour later, President Trump resumed the event after the participant fainted but did not return to the Oval Office. Trump mentioned the man was feeling lightheaded but confirmed he was okay.
Leavitt identified the man as a guest of one of the attending healthcare companies, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
Context of the Announcement
President Trump announced a deal with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at expanding Medicare coverage and reducing the cost of popular obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Trump said the gentleman was feeling lightheaded but is OK now.
Newsweek has requested further comment from the White House via email.
Author's summary: A man fainted during President Trump’s announcement on lowering obesity drug prices; medical aid arrived promptly, and the event resumed shortly with the man recovering.