During a White House press event on Thursday led by Dr. Mehmet Oz, an unexpected medical emergency interrupted the proceedings — and President Donald Trump’s reaction quickly went viral.
Dr. Oz, now serving as Trump’s administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, was outlining the administration’s plan to lower the cost of weight-loss drugs when one of the guests suddenly collapsed behind the Resolute Desk.
“Press out,” officials shouted as Secret Service and medical staff rushed in. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed the individual was “okay,” crediting the White House Medical Unit for its swift response.
Early speculation suggested the person might be a Novo Nordisk executive, but the company clarified that its representatives were not involved. It was later confirmed that the man who fainted worked for Eli Lilly, one of the major pharmaceutical companies present.
David Ricks, Eli Lilly’s CEO, later reassured reporters: “It’s warm in the Oval Office, and you stand a long time. The White House medical staff did a great job — he’s doing fine.”
As the situation unfolded, images of Trump standing still behind his desk circulated widely online. The still frames sparked an immediate flood of memes and commentary, with some joking that he looked “unsure how to react,” while others accused him of appearing indifferent.
Once the guest was safely escorted out, the press conference resumed. Trump addressed the incident, saying, “He went down, but he’s fine. He’s got doctor’s care and will be okay — just a little interruption.”
While the conference continued with the administration’s weight-loss drug cost-reduction plan, public attention remained fixed on the viral moment — a split-second glimpse inside the Oval Office that overshadowed the day’s policy announcement.