A dramatic scene happened at the White House when an elderly pharmaceutical executive suddenly collapsed during a live event attended by US President Donald Trump. The incident happened on Thursday during an official announcement about obesity drug price cuts.
Here’s the moment a pharmaceutical executive collapsed in the Oval Office minutes ago.
Reporters in the room identified him as Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Findlay, but the White House has not released a name. pic.twitter.com/sXGwOI7asC
— Anders Hagstrom (@Hagstrom_Anders) November 6, 2025
The man, identified as Gordon Findlay, an executive from Novo Nordisk, fainted during the event. The event was being held to announce a major pricing agreement on obesity drugs between leading pharmaceutical companies and the government.
Eyewitnesses said Trump and other officials immediately rushed to help the executive. The White House Medical Unit responded swiftly and provided first aid.
Quick Response from Medical Team
Shortly after the incident, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement confirming the man’s condition. She said,
“During the Most Favoured Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative with one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly jumped into action, and the gentleman is okay. The Press Conference will resume shortly.”
Her statement helped ease public concern as the video of the incident began circulating online.
Event Focused on Obesity Drug Price Cuts
The event brought together top executives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, two leading pharmaceutical companies known for their GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The companies announced a joint plan to offer their obesity treatment drugs at a significantly lower price, marking a major shift in the industry.
The deal aims to make obesity medications more affordable and accessible to millions of Americans struggling with weight management and related health issues.
Trump, known for his strong stance on drug pricing, highlighted the importance of affordable healthcare and called the agreement a “breakthrough for American patients.”
Health and High-Pressure Environments
While the event focused on health and affordability, the sudden collapse of the executive shed light on the intense pressure surrounding such high-profile announcements. Experts suggest that stress, exhaustion, and long hours can take a toll even on top professionals.
Medical experts later said that fainting incidents are often caused by dehydration, anxiety, or standing for long periods — common during extended public events.
The incident has also sparked renewed discussion about workplace stress and the importance of health monitoring, even among senior executives in the healthcare industry.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, with many users expressing concern for the executive’s well-being and praising the quick action of Trump and the White House team.
The event resumed shortly after the medical team confirmed the man’s stability. Officials said he was “doing fine” and had been taken for precautionary evaluation.
The dramatic moment has since added unexpected attention to what was meant to be a policy-focused event, underscoring that health remains unpredictable — even in a setting dedicated to improving it.
