Donald Trump's session with reporters cut short after young girl faints in Oval Office

ANI April 19, 2025 181 views

A routine White House press briefing turned dramatic when Dr. Oz's granddaughter fainted during his CMS swearing-in ceremony. Trump immediately paused the event as aides cleared reporters from the Oval Office. The 11-year-old, later identified as Philomena Oz, quickly recovered according to officials. The incident occurred during Oz's first week leading the massive Medicare and Medicaid agency.

"Everybody out, please move" - White House aide during the incident
Washington DC, April 19: A question-and-answer session with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office was brought to an immediate halt on Friday (local time) after a young girl fainted, as per New York Post.

Key Points

1

Dr Oz sworn in as CMS chief by RFK Jr

2

Girl identified as Oz's 11-year-old granddaughter

3

White House confirmed she recovered quickly

4

Event marked Oz's first week leading $1.7T agency

White House aides sprung into action, shooing away reporters and photographers, who were covering the White House swearing-in ceremony of Mehmet Oz as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"Everybody out, please move," a White House aide could be heard saying on the pooled video feed after a young relative of Mehmet Oz collapsed.

"No photos!" the aide instructed journalists, as per NYP.

Oz, 64, had just been sworn in as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services before Trump began taking questions on several topics from the assembled press pool.

The girl was identified by People and TMZ as Oz's 11-year-old granddaughter Philomena, NYP reported.

Trump walked over to check on the girl as the media were escorted away.

"A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz's swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office," a White House official said in a brief statement, as quoted by NYP. "We are happy to say she is OK."

The White House stated in a post on X that Oz was sworn in by Robert F Kennedy, Jr.

"Dr Oz has officially been sworn in as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services by Robert F Kennedy, Jr in the Oval Office!"

https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1913326439916519615

Trump, while introducing Oz said, "As Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator, Dr. Oz will work tirelessly to strengthen and protect Medicare for our nation's seniors & Medicaid... there will be NO CUTS."

As Mehmet Oz completes his first week as the 17th Administrator of CMS, he is sharing his agenda and vision for the agency.

A cardiothoracic surgeon and former host of an award-winning TV show, he now leads the largest agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), with a USD 1.7 trillion budget, tasked with delivering health outcomes for more than 160 million people, as per CMS website.

"I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Kennedy for their confidence in my ability to lead CMS in achieving their vision to Make America Healthy Again," said Oz.

"Great societies protect their most vulnerable. As stewards of the health of so many Americans - especially disadvantaged youth, those with disabilities, and our seniors, the CMS team is dedicated to delivering superior health outcomes across each program we administer. America is too great for small dreams, and I'm ready to get work on the President's agenda,", CMS quoted Oz as saying.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
So glad to hear the little girl is okay! That must have been so scary for her and the family. Props to the White House staff for acting quickly and protecting her privacy. 👏
M
Mike T.
Interesting choice for CMS administrator. I hope Dr. Oz can bring his medical expertise to improve healthcare access. Though I wonder how his TV background will translate to government work...
J
Jennifer L.
The Oval Office can get so stuffy with all those people crammed in there. Not surprised someone fainted! Maybe they should limit crowd sizes for these ceremonies.
D
David P.
$1.7 trillion budget?! That's an insane amount of responsibility. Hope Dr. Oz is ready for this massive challenge. The healthcare system desperately needs improvements.
A
Amir R.
Respectful criticism here: While I appreciate the quick response to the medical emergency, I wish the administration showed this same level of urgency addressing healthcare disparities. The "Make America Healthy Again" slogan needs real action behind it.
T
Tina M.
That poor child! The excitement probably got to her. Glad President Trump checked on her personally. Hope she's resting comfortably now 💕

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