On Friday, as Donald Trump spoke at the White House after the swearing-in of Dr. Oz, a medical emergency took place. Oz’s 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, fainted. Oz, 64, was at the White House on April 18 for his swearing-in ceremony as Donald Trump’s administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Earlier in the month, the Senate voted to approve him. Dr. Oz was joined by his wife, Lisa; his son, Oliver; his daughter, Daphne; and his grandchildren.
Medical Issue During Swearing In
After Dr. Oz was sworn in by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health and Human Services Secretary, Trump spoke to those in attendance after the swearing-in ceremony about Oz joining his administration. Moments after the swearing-in, Trump’s comments were cut short after the 11-year-old collapsed. “Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go,” one of Oz’s daughters was heard saying. Dr. Oz ran over to check on his granddaughter.
Philomena Taken To Another Room
Philomena’s mother, Daphne, and uncle, Oliver, helped her to the back. Dr. Oz returns to his position next to Trump. Trump then cut his speech short, and reporters and bystanders in attendance were ushered out of the room.
On Friday, the White House stated the incident. “A minor family member fainted during Dr. Oz’s swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office,” the statement read. “We are happy to say she is OK.” They gave no further information about the incident.
Dr. Oz Has Three Daughters
Daphne is married to John Jovanovic, and they have four children, three of whom are daughters: Philomena, Domenica, and Giovanna. Daphne has spoken out before about how convenient it is to have a family with so many doctors in it. “I don’t know what I would do without a doctor on call all the time because I’m so used to it. Both of my grandfathers are doctors, my dad, my uncle. So, everything gets a call.”
Democratic Lawmakers Worried
His swearing-in comes on the heels of some Democratic lawmakers and some health care advocates raising red flags that Medicaid actually could be facing the chopping block under Republican leadership.
“Medicaid isn’t just a program; it’s the foundation that enables millions of Americans to care for loved ones with serious illnesses, disabilities, or aging needs in the dignity of their own homes,” said Jason Resendez, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving.
“There will be no cuts. We’re not going to have any cuts. We’re going to have only help,” said Trump. “He’ll [Dr. Oz] ensure that criminals, fraudsters, and illegal aliens are not permitted to rob America’s seniors. They are trying, but they’re not going to get away with it
Oz Said He Will Root Out Fraud
Dr. Oz echoed what he would later emphasize: that one of his main focuses will be rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid. “We want to crush fraud, waste, and abuse. We are going to stop people from stealing from our most vulnerable,” said Oz. “We are coming for you,” he added.
Dr. Oz Ran For Office Before
Oz tossed his hat into the political arena in 2022 when he ran as a Republican in Pennsylvania’s Senate race. He lost that race to the popular Democratic candidate, John Fetterman. Fetterman flipped the seat blue. On April 3, Oz was confirmed as the new administrator for the CMS by the Senate with a vote of 53-45.
Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey
Dr. Oz first stepped into the spotlight after appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show with host Oprah Winfrey. Oz appeared on the show dozens of times in the early 2000s. He would then go on to host his daytime talk show, The Dr. Oz Show, in 2009. It ran for 13 seasons.
In his position as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Dr. Oz will be over Medicare, which is the federal organization that covers healthcare for Americans over the age of 65 as well as disabled people. He will also be over Medicaid, which provides healthcare benefits for low-income families. There are currently more than 66 million Americans on Medicare and more than 88 million on Medicaid.
