WASHINGTON – A high-profile White House announcement on lowering the cost of popular weight-loss drugs was abruptly interrupted Thursday when a pharmaceutical company representative collapsed behind President Donald Trump, leading to a frantic medical response and the swift evacuation of the press corps.
The dramatic incident unfolded during a live-streamed event in the Oval Office, where President Trump was flanked by executives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. As Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks was speaking, a man standing directly behind him crumpled to the floor.
Ricks stopped mid-sentence, turning to ask, “Are you OK? Gordon, you OK?” Several attendees, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, rushed to the man’s aid, carefully lowering him to the ground. President Trump stood up from behind the Resolute Desk to observe the scene as journalists were quickly ushered out of the room.
Initial reports identified the individual as Gordon Finlay from Novo Nordisk, but the company later stated on social media that he was not present. The identity of the man, referred to only as a “representative with one of the companies,” was clarified by officials who confirmed he was a consultant for Novo Nordisk.
White House Medical Unit Responds
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the incident, stating, “During the Most Favoured Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House medical unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is OK.”
When the press conference resumed, President Trump apologized for the interruption. “One of the representatives of one of the companies got a little light-headed and so they went down… he’s got doctor’s care, but he’s fine,” Trump said.
Announcement Focused on Drug Affordability
The event had been convened to announce a deal between the Trump administration and the pharmaceutical giants to significantly lower the cost of blockbuster weight-loss drugs Zepbound (Eli Lilly) and Wegovy (Novo Nordisk). These drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, have surged in popularity but remain prohibitively expensive for many, costing around $770 per month for higher doses.
The administration outlined a plan to expand coverage to Medicare patients starting next year and phase in lower prices for the uninsured. Additionally, new pill versions of the treatments will be priced at $149 per month upon approval.
“[It] will save lives and improve the health of millions and millions of Americans,” President Trump said, referring to the medications as a “fat drug.”
Addressing a National Health Crisis
The initiative targets a major public health issue, with more than 100 million American adults estimated to be obese. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized the equity aspect of the deal at the announcement.
“Obesity is a disease of poverty. And overwhelmingly, these drugs have only been available for people who have wealth,” Kennedy said.
The drug-pricing announcement comes amid heightened focus on cost-of-living concerns, following recent elections where economic worries were a dominant issue for voters. The move is the latest effort by the Trump administration to rein in prescription drug costs, following similar agreements with other pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
The drugs work by targeting gut and brain hormones that regulate appetite and satiety, and have been shown in clinical trials to help patients lose between 15% and 22% of their body weight.
