What began as a routine press event inside the Oval Office quickly spiraled into chaos, catching reporters and viewers completely off guard.
The ceremony, held to officially swear in Dr. Mehmet Oz as the new head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), was expected to be a standard affair. President Donald Trump was mid-sentence, addressing reporters on a range of issues including tensions with Iran, when the situation dramatically changed.
Reporters at the scene recall an uneasy shift in the room.
“It was all very formal until suddenly the atmosphere changed. Security became tense, and we were told to leave—fast,” one eyewitness told The Times of India. White House staff began urgently instructing members of the press, “Press out! Everybody get out, right now!”, as the livestream abruptly cut to black.
The unexpected disruption sparked confusion across social media, where viral clips and commentary began to surface within minutes.
Activist Laura Loomer, who was among the first to share footage, hinted at a “medical emergency of some sort.”
As speculation swirled, the White House later confirmed the reason for the chaos: Dr. Oz’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, had fainted during the ceremony.
According to eyewitness reports, the young girl collapsed near the Resolute Desk, prompting immediate concern from the family and officials. Dr. Oz, visibly alarmed, rushed to his granddaughter’s side, joined by his wife Lisa Oz and their children including Daphne, Oliver, Arabella, and Zoe.
“Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!” one of Dr. Oz’s daughters reportedly shouted during the panic, as captured by People Magazine.
President Trump stepped aside from the podium and observed the scene before quickly exiting the room. White House aides then barred photography and escorted media out, ensuring privacy for the family during the incident.
Later, a spokesperson for the White House offered a reassuring update:
“A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office. We are happy to say she is okay.”
The incident temporarily overshadowed Dr. Oz’s new role in federal healthcare. Despite previous controversies including a BMJ study that found nearly half of his TV medical advice lacked scientific backing his nomination was approved by a 53 to 45 Senate vote earlier this month.
This appointment marks a major shift for the former daytime television host, who once came under fire for promoting green coffee extract as a “magic weight loss cure,” a claim later challenged by the Federal Trade Commission.
Though the focus of the day should have been on Dr. Oz’s political ascent, the real headline came from a sudden moment of human vulnerability a reminder that even inside the most powerful office in the world, real-life emergencies don’t discriminate.
Philomena is now recovering well, and the Oz family has expressed their gratitude for the swift response and public concern.
Feature image Credit: Fox via YouTube
