Featured Image Credit: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Reporters attending a press conference at the White House on Thursday (6 November) were horrified to see one of the guests suddenly crash to the floor.
Moments earlier, US president Donald Trump had unveiled plans for a new deal between his administration and pharmaceutical firms Novo Nordisk - which manufactures Ozempic - and Eli Lilly - which manufactures Mounjaro - in a bid to see the price of popular weight-loss medications reduced.
During the political gathering, Dave Ricks, the CEO of Eli Lilly, began speaking, whilst Trump remained seated at his desk.
Behind the pair, however, broadcasters picked up on another man wearing a suit, who suddenly appeared unsteady as the colour washed out of his face.
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Seconds later, the same man was seen cataclysmically falling to the ground.
In footage which has since gone viral online, gasps echo around the Oval Office as concerned reporters cad be heard murmuring for several seconds as aides and medical staff rushed to assist the fallen man.
Trump, 79, turned sharply to watch as medics surrounded his guest, with officials going on to very loudly instruct all attendees: "Press out!"
As a result, all journalists were ushered towards the exit their, their footage abruptly cut.
Final pictures and footage shows Trump standing up from behind the desk to observe the goings-on.
Trump has since come under fire for going on to demonstrate a rather passive stance as the fiasco unfolded, with critics slamming his apparent lack of urgency.
"Trump just standing there without a care in the world," one Instagram user hit out.
"Trump just stood there and watched a man collapse. He didn’t call for help. He didn’t do anything. That’s not leadership. It’s an abdication of leadership," another added.
In footage, Ricks asks the man as he goes down: "Gordon, are you okay?"
Ricks later told press of the incident: "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 the White House medical staff did a great job and he’s doing great. So, nothing to be concerned about.
"Thanks for your concern."
While some have identified the man as Novo Nordisk executive Gordon Findlay, the pharmaceutical company said he wasn't present at the press conference.
"Please be aware that CEO Mike Doustdar and EVP, US Operations, Dave Moore were the only two Novo Nordisk representatives in the Oval Office," a statement read.
Trump also told reporters in the hours that followed: "One of the representatives of one of the companies got a little light-headed… he’s fine. They’ve got doctors here."