Man Collapses During Trump’s Oval Office Announcement
During a press conference in the Oval Office on Thursday, a man collapsed behind President Donald Trump. The event focused on a new agreement with drugmakers to expand coverage and lower prices for obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy.
Officials quickly came to the man's aid, with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz supporting his head as he was lowered to the floor. The cause of the collapse remains unknown. The press was promptly removed from the room following the incident.
“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.” — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt
Leavitt confirmed the man was a guest of one of the attending health care companies, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. About an hour later, President Trump resumed the event without the participant.
Trump commented on the situation, stating the man felt lightheaded but is now fine. Newsweek has contacted the White House for further comments.
At the event, President Trump announced a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to enhance Medicare coverage and reduce costs for the obesity drugs Zepbound and Wegovy.
Summary
The event was briefly interrupted when a participant fainted behind President Trump, but after medical aid, the press conference continued as planned with the focus on expanding access to weight-loss drugs.