A White House press conference ended abruptly Thursday after medical emergency in the middle of President Donald Trump’s announcement.
A company representative collapsed while Trump was discussing his administrations efforts to lower the costs for GLP-1 medications.
White House Press Secretary Karoline suddenly exclaimed two simple words: “Press, out!” Leavitt insisted.
The incident occurred about 45 minutes into the Oval Office event. Dave Ricks, CEO of pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company, had just taken the podium when a man standing to the right began to appear ill.
“Are you okay?” Ricks asked moments before the representative collapsed suddenly to the ground.
Several men rushed to support him and carefully laid him down as Trump stood from his seat to oversee the situation, and Leavitt immediately ordered reporters to leave the room, and cameras cut.
The collapse happened after Chris Klomp, the deputy administrator and director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, finished his remarks. Klomp had just said Americans “cannot reach our full potential as individuals if we are not healthy.”
Leavitt released a statement from the White House shortly after the medical emergency.
“During the Most Favored Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted,” she said. “The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly.”
The event featured executives from drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. The White House has not identified the representative who fainted, but reports say he will recover fully.
Watch —
An official just collapsed in the Oval Office during an announcement on expanding access for Americans to weight loss drugs. pic.twitter.com/mIRQwRiA4h
— Gareth Milner (@sw1a0aa) November 6, 2025