The man collapsed while Eli Lilly CEO, Dave Ricks, was speaking about lowering drug prices in the United States.
By Kehinde Okeowo
A pharmaceutical company’s representative — initially identified as Novo Nordisk exec Gordon Findlay, a claim that was later disputed — collapsed during a press conference beside United States President Donald Trump, leading to pandemonium in the Oval Office.
Confirming the incident, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted.”
According to Fox News, reporters were immediately escorted out of the room after the incident occurred live on television.
The episode happened while Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks was speaking about lowering drug prices in the United States.
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White House officials later confirmed that the man was “OK” after receiving prompt medical attention.
“The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay.” Leavitt added.
In the footage currently circulating online, the man could be seen slumping before Mehmet Oz, then of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and others swiftly intervened to assist.
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been disclosed to the public.
