Man Collapses During Oval Office Announcement
During a press conference in the Oval Office on Thursday, a man collapsed behind President Donald Trump. The event focused on an agreement with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand Medicare coverage and reduce prices for popular obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Officials immediately helped the man after his collapse, and the press was quickly escorted out. Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator, supported the man’s head as he was lowered to the floor. The reason for the collapse was not clear.
“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 clarified that the man was a guest from one of the healthcare companies, either Eli Lilly or Novo Nordisk. Approximately an hour after the incident, President Trump resumed the event but the man did not return to the Oval Office. Trump noted the man felt lightheaded but is now fine.
Context of the Announcement
- The announcement involved a new deal between President Trump and drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.
- The agreement aims to broaden Medicare coverage for obesity drugs and lower their costs.
- Medicines involved include Zepbound and Wegovy, which are widely used to treat obesity.
Follow-up
Newsweek has contacted the White House for further comments regarding the incident.
Author's summary: During President Trump's announcement to expand Medicare access to obesity drugs, a company guest fainted but was quickly assisted and is now reported to be fine.