President Donald Trump was speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Mehmet Oz as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services but suddenly stopped taking questions.
Trump was responding to questions about Iran’s nuclear program when the press briefing abruptly ended after a young girl fainted, according to reporting by the Associated Press and confirmed to Newsweek by the White House.
The girl was a guest of Oz, who quickly rushed to her side. Though she was able to stand, she was assisted out of the room.
“We are happy to say she is okay,” a White House spokesperson responded to Newsweek via email.
US President Donald Trump speaks after the swearing in of Mehmet Oz (R) as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L)… US President Donald Trump speaks after the swearing in of Mehmet Oz (R) as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (L) looks on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2025. AFP/Getty Images
At 64, Dr. Oz—a former heart surgeon and TV talk-show host—now leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, overseeing health coverage for nearly half the U.S. population. His responsibilities span Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs under the Affordable Care Act.
Oz takes on the role as Congress actively debates potential cuts to Medicaid, which provides essential support to millions of low-income and disabled Americans.
President Trump looked on as Oz was sworn in Friday by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a ceremony in the Oval Office. Trump reaffirmed his pledge of “no cuts” to Medicare and Medicaid and thanked Oz for what he called a “big commitment” to public service.
This is a developing news story and will be updated as more information is available.
Update: 4/18/25, 1:31 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
