A White House press conference turned chaotic on Friday when one of Dr. Mehmet Oz’s young family members fainted during his swearing-in ceremony as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. President Trump had been speaking about Iran’s nuclear threat when the incident occurred, and the live broadcast was abruptly cut as aides rushed to respond.
Witnesses say Dr. Oz immediately moved to assist while his wife appeared distraught. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly ordered reporters out of the room, shouting for the press to clear the Oval Office as medical staff were called.
The White House later confirmed that the individual who fainted was Dr. Oz’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, and that she had fully recovered. A statement read, “A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office. We are happy to say she is OK.”
The unexpected medical scare briefly overshadowed the day’s event, but it ended with relief and reassurance. President Trump was reportedly “exceedingly warm and concerned,” and the Oz family thanked staff for their quick response. The ceremony is expected to resume in the coming days in a more private setting.
