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Pharma executive faints behind Trump during White House event on drug pricing
The man collapsed as the White House announced slashing the cost of weight-loss drugs.
November 07, 2025, 02:45 PM
A pharmaceutical representative collapsed in the Oval Office on Nov. 7, during a White House press event on lowering the cost of weight-loss drugs.
As one of the invited executives from the two drug companies, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, was speaking, the man crumpled to the ground behind U.S. President Donald Trump.
The moment was captured on camera before video feeds were cut, according to the New York Post.
Trump suspended the event.
Video adapted from @PGenium on X.
Chaotic scene
The events unfolded on air as the Trump administration was announcing a new deal to make weight-loss medication more affordable.
Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks was speaking on the podium as the attendee behind him appeared unsteady on his feet.
The man looked to be in visible distress before buckling under his own weight, as seen in a video posted to X.
“Are you OK? Gordon, you OK?” asked Ricks as the man fell over.
Trump rose from his seat as officials shouted, "Press out!"
Mehmet Oz, a medical doctor and Trump’s administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, rushed to the guest's aid, helping him to the floor, reported USA Today.
Identity not made public
The identity of the man has not been confirmed but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said “The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay”.
Netizens initially claimed that the man was Gordon Findlay, the global brand director for Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk.
However, the company told the New York Post that the only two Novo Nordisk representatives present were CEO Mike Doustdar and Dave Moore, the Executive Vice President for U.S. Operations.
The event resumed about an hour later.
Top Photo from @PGenium/X
