Dr. Oz’s Swearing-In Press Conference Dramatically Halted After Medical Incident — Video of What Happened

Dr. Mehmet Oz had just been sworn in as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday, April 18, when his 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, reportedly fainted during the ceremony, abruptly halting remarks by President Donald Trump.

The event was held in the Oval Office and officiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Dr. Oz stood with family members, including his wife, Lisa, and children Daphne, Arabella, Zoe, and Oliver. Several grandchildren were also present, positioned on the other side of the Resolute Desk.

During the event, a sudden commotion broke out in the room, briefly halting proceedings. Footage shows journalists reacting in real time as the situation unfolded. One of Dr. Mehmet Oz’s daughters can be heard calling out, “Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!” Oz immediately stepped away to check on his granddaughter before returning to stand beside former President Trump.

White House aides swiftly took control, urging people to evacuate the room. “Everybody out!” one aide shouted. Another voice followed with, “Get out right now,” while a third instructed, “No photos.”

Although the video did not capture the exact moment Philomena collapsed, it did show Daphne Oz and her brother Oliver assisting her as they left the room. Philomena appeared visibly unwell as they exited. The footage then cuts off.

Following the incident, a White House spokesperson issued a brief statement: “We are happy to say she is okay.”

Philomena is the eldest daughter of Daphne Oz and her husband, John Jovanovic. The couple shares four children: Philomena, Domenica, Giovanna, and a son.

Daphne is known for her work as a television host, nutrition author, and judge on “MasterChef Junior” since Season 8. Reaction online to the incident quickly followed, with many users criticizing Trump’s demeanor and perceived lack of concern during the medical emergency.

One Instagram user wrote, “All was all about trump , he didn’t care about the grand daughter. [sic]” Another added, “His face says how dare she take the attention from me! [sic]” A separate comment read, “He didn’t even ask what happened. SMH.”

Online reaction to Dr. Oz’s response quickly spread, with many social media users scrutinizing his behavior during the incident. One commenter wrote, “He’s probably mad the attention was turned away from him,” while another questioned, “Why didn’t the grandfather doctor man help his little granddaughter?” A third remarked, “They were more concerned about the press leaving than the child.”

The conversation spilled over to Facebook, where criticism continued. “Doesn’t look like he did anything but look,” one user commented. Another added, “He didn’t assess her? He didn’t jump into action? 😂 He went back on that podium as fast as he went down it.” Amid the criticism, some expressed concern for Philomena directly. “I hope she’s OK!! I don’t care for any of the politicians around her!! But I have empathy for her!” one person shared.

The swearing-in came just hours after Trump issued remarks on a separate matter, where his statement drew scrutiny. Following a deadly shooting on a university campus in Tallahassee, Florida, the U.S. president appeared somber as he issued a response from the White House.

President Trump delivered a brief statement from the Oval Office on Friday in response to the shooting at Florida State University (FSU), which occurred on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

“It’s a horrible thing. Horrible that things like this take place,” former President Donald Trump said in response to the shooting. He added that he had been “fully briefed” on the incident and called the tragedy “a shame.”

When asked whether the shooting might prompt him to reconsider his stance on gun regulations, Trump reaffirmed his support for the Second Amendment. “These things are terrible. But the gun doesn’t do the shooting—the people do. Phrases used probably too often,” he said.

He continued, “As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time. I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment. I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment.”

Trump also noted his familiarity with the area, saying he knew “the very area well,” referencing both the university and the state of Florida.

His remarks quickly sparked a wave of responses online. Some comments were laced with sarcasm: “Such deep and wise words from our profound leader,” one person wrote. Another user added, “I’m surprised they were able to pin him down for a comment between rounds of golf 🙄.”

Others criticized Trump’s tone. “He doesn’t know the words. He never had sympathy for anyone—or empathy. He only has sympathy and empathy for himself,” one user wrote.

Amid the backlash, some posts focused on the victims and the broader impact of the tragedy. “The recent shooting is truly heartbreaking,” one commenter shared. “It’s important that we don’t overlook its impact. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

More reactions followed. A separate commenter argued, “His lack and compassion is deafening,” while another urged, “Trump try using your big boy words.” One sarcastically added, “So articulate.”

Another asked bluntly, “1st grader talk?” while one noted, “This is the first time he has acknowledged a school shooting this year. I wonder what we don’t know yet.”

The president’s statement and the netizens’ reactions followed a deadly shooting that shocked the FSU community. According to the Miami Herald, the shooting left two people dead and six others injured.

The suspect, 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner — an FSU student and the son of a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy — used a handgun that had once belonged to his mother, which she had legally purchased for personal use. Ikner was shot by responding officers and taken into custody.

The attack occurred around noon near the university’s student union. Police later confirmed that the two people killed were not enrolled at FSU. The six others who were wounded were taken to the hospital. A motive has not yet been identified.

While investigators continue to piece together what led to the attack, Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said the department knew the suspect personally. Ikner had been involved in the sheriff’s Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several of the agency’s training programs.

“He has been steep in the Leon County Sheriff’s family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have … so it’s not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons,” McNeil said during a press briefing.

The shooting caused widespread panic across campus, prompting a full lockdown. Among those caught in the chaos was sophomore Paula Maldonado, who shared her experience with ABC News. As soon as the active threat alarm sounded, her class turned off the lights and used desks to barricade the door.

Students huddled together at the front of the room, whispering instructions and comforting one another in hushed tones. Some began to cry, while others offered safety tips — one student advised holding a backpack in front of the body as a makeshift shield.

“A cop came inside and I thought it was the shooter, so it was very scary,” Maldonado recalled. After several tense minutes, officers returned and instructed the class to exit with their hands raised.

In the wake of the tragedy, FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the university community, describing the incident as “a tragic and senseless act of violence at the heart of our campus.” He said the university’s focus was now on supporting victims, their families, and the wider community.

“It means students, faculty, and staff who were nearby and are now trying to make sense of what they experienced. And it means every person in our campus community who is feeling shaken or overwhelmed,” McCullough said.

According to ABC News, an update from FSU Alerts confirmed that families of the victims had been notified. The university also announced that students separated from their belongings during the lockdown would be given an opportunity to retrieve them.

Shortly after the update, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis released a video statement on X, offering condolences alongside his wife, Casey. “We’re mourning the two individuals who lost their lives in this tragic attack, and we wish well those who are currently recovering in the hospital,” he said.

DeSantis stressed the importance of justice and praised the rapid response from law enforcement. “This killer must and will be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated. “They [law enforcement] ran toward the danger, they stopped this killer from inflicting more harm, and there is no question that they saved lives.”

As Florida reels from this latest tragedy, yet another school shooting — this time in Tennessee — has left another family grieving, underscoring the persistent threat of gun violence in American schools.

The Metro Nashville Police Department has identified the 16-year-old student killed in a shooting at Antioch High School on January 22, 2025, as Josselin Corea Escalante.

Escalante was fatally shot in the school cafeteria, where two other students were also injured. One of the victims, a male student, sustained a graze wound to his arm and was treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Her father, German Corea, is devastated by the sudden loss of his daughter. “Every day I told her how much I loved her,” he said. Though Josselin was an older sister, she was still very much a daddy’s girl. Corea described her as kind, loving, a dedicated student, and a talented soccer player. “I never thought my daughter, who was so full of life and so good, would one day not come home,” he said quietly. “It’s not fair.”

Josselin’s aunt, Maria Corea, echoed the family’s heartbreak. “She was my girl,” she said through tears. “She was very calm, well-behaved, and had good grades in school. She loved her parents and her whole family.” Maria mourned the cruel irony of a life full of promise being cut short in a place meant for growth and safety. “She was sent to school for an education, to have a better future — not for her life to end.”

Escalante’s family has requested that the school enhance its security. They are not hopeful that things will change noting that every school shooting always has a similar story. Antioch High School hosted a vigil in honor of Escalante on the night of January 22.

The 17-year-old shooter was an active student at Antioch High School. He shot himself in the head and is deceased. Police have identified him as Solomon Henderson. The two school resource officers assigned to Antioch High School were located in a different part of the building when Henderson started shooting.

Upon hearing the shots, they swiftly rushed to the cafeteria, arriving just moments after Henderson had taken his own life. Authorities are now investigating concerning online writings and social media posts linked to Henderson.

They are also working with local, federal, and state agencies to determine the motive behind the gunfire in the school’s cafeteria. As investigations on the incident continue, so far the police have found no connection between the shooter and victims of the tragic incident. “It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” the Metro Nashville Police Department said.

Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police Department has also spoken out, “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff. Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

Dr. Adrienne Battle, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ director has condoled with the students, parents, and the entire Antioch High School community. Battle announced that the school would be closed for the rest of the week so that students and staff could have time to grieve.

She wrote in a statement, “I want to thank the school staff who quickly and heroically followed emergency protocols, potentially preventing further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their swift and urgent response.”

Battle promised that she was committed to understanding how and why such a tragedy happened so as to prevent another occurrence in the future.

She added, “It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth. We cannot allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”

Battle also noted that the students and staff will get all the help they need to process this tragedy, including but not limited to grief support. She urged students, staff, counselors, and the Nashville community to come together so they could navigate the days and weeks ahead as one.