Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Nov 7: A dramatic moment unfolded at the White House when a man collapsed behind President Donald Trump during an event in the Oval Office on Thursday. The incident occurred as Trump was announcing a major deal with pharmaceutical companies to slash the prices of weight-loss drugs.
The man, identified later as Gordon, a guest representing Eli Lilly, was standing among healthcare executives and Trump administration officials behind the Resolute Desk when he suddenly crumpled to the floor. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks, who was speaking at the time, immediately stopped and asked, “You OK?” as others rushed to assist the man.
Trump, who was seated during the announcement, quickly stood up and remained behind his desk while medical personnel attended to the individual. The man was examined by Mehmet Oz, Trump’s Administrator for the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who confirmed that he was fine.
According to reports, attendees had been standing for nearly 30 minutes in the warm Oval Office when the incident took place. Following the collapse, the press was ushered out, and the event was paused for about an hour before resuming.
When the session continued, Trump assured everyone that the man was doing well. “He got a little bit light-headed... You saw he went down. And he’s fine. They just sent him out... He’s got doctors’ care. But he’s fine,” Trump said.
Later, Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks clarified, “Gordon was one of the Lilly guests at the White House today. He became faint, and if you’ve ever been in the Oval Office, you stand a long time, and it’s warm. Pleased to say that the White House medical staff did a great job, and he’s doing great. Nothing to be concerned about.”
Trump’s announcement
During the event, President Trump announced new deals with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to drastically cut the prices of some of their most popular weight-loss drugs.
“Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are committing to offer Zepbound and Wegovy at ‘Most Favoured Nation’ rates for American patients,” Trump said, adding that this initiative would make the drugs significantly more affordable for those eligible.
The new generation of GLP-1-based appetite-suppressing drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, has surged in popularity for their effectiveness in helping people lose weight. However, their high prices—often exceeding $1,000 per month in the U.S.—have drawn public concern.
With the announced deal, Trump said the administration aims to make these treatments accessible at “drastic discounts,” providing relief to American patients struggling with obesity and related health issues.