A pharmaceutical executive unexpectedly collapsed inside the Oval Office on Thursday while Donald Trump and members of his administration were unveiling a new national plan to lower the cost of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.
The man, who had been standing directly behind Trump during the announcement, suddenly lost his balance and fell to the floor. Reporters initially identified him as Gordon Finlay of Novo Nordisk, but the company later clarified that Finlay was not the person involved.
According to journalists in the room, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reacted immediately and helped the executive to the ground, preventing serious injury. As members of the press were escorted out of the Oval Office, White House medical staff and Cabinet officials provided first aid and stabilized the man.
White House Confirms Executive Is Stable
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later addressed the incident, confirming the executive’s condition:
“During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office announcement, one of the company representatives fainted. The White House Medical Unit acted quickly, and the gentleman is now doing fine. The press conference will resume shortly.”
Trump Administration Announces Major Drug Price Cut
The conference featured representatives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, two of the leading producers of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These medications have gained massive popularity for weight loss and diabetes treatment.
Under the new Trump-backed deal, the companies agreed to expand access and lower prices by selling directly to consumers through a new federal health platform called TrumpRx, which is expected to launch next year.
Once the FDA approves the oral versions of these drugs, they could be offered for as little as $149 per month, while injectable versions may cost $245 monthly for Medicare and Medicaid patients using them for approved conditions like diabetes.
Health Officials Praise Breakthrough in Drug Accessibility
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the initiative, emphasizing how it could help low-income Americans gain access to life-changing treatments.
“Obesity is a disease that disproportionately affects the poor,” Kennedy stated. “Until now, these weight-loss drugs have been out of reach for many families. This deal gives them a fair chance to live healthier lives.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz added that he expects widespread adoption of the medications, estimating that by this time next year, Americans could collectively lose over 135 billion pounds thanks to the new pricing and access measures.
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