Confusion as Health Care Company Rep Faints Beside Trump in White House
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that a White House event led by U.S. President Donald Trump was momentarily thrown into confusion on Thursday when a representative from a participating health care company suddenly fainted beside him during an official announcement on efforts to reduce the cost of obesity drugs.
OTN News further reports as gathered that, the incident occurred inside the Oval Office while Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks was addressing attendees.
The individual, whose name was not immediately released, was identified by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as a representative from one of the participating health firms.
Witnesses said the guest, who had been standing among senior administration officials and pharmaceutical executives behind the President’s desk, appeared to lose consciousness unexpectedly and collapsed. Those nearby quickly moved to assist.
“You OK?” Ricks was heard asking as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz and other aides rushed to help the fainted guest.
President Trump reportedly stood from behind the Resolute Desk to assess the situation as security personnel and medical staff responded. Reporters were promptly ushered out of the room while emergency assistance was provided.
In a statement shortly after, Press Secretary Leavitt confirmed that the individual had received immediate medical attention and was “doing fine.”
When journalists were later allowed back into the Oval Office, President Trump assured them that the situation was under control.
“You saw he went down. And he’s fine. They just sent him out,” Trump said. “He’s got doctors’ care. But he’s fine.”
The brief health scare led to a temporary pause in the event, which had been ongoing for about 30 minutes before the incident occurred.
OTN News observes that this marks the second fainting incident at the White House this year. OTN News recalls that in April, a young girl reportedly fainted during Mehmet Oz’s swearing-in ceremony, though officials confirmed she also recovered quickly.
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