Dr. Mehmet Oz’s 11-year-old granddaughter is recovering after fainting while President Donald Trump spoke at the White House.
After Philomena, the daughter of Oz’s daughter Daphne Oz, fainted while Oz, 64, took part in a swearing-in ceremony on Friday, April 18, Daphne, 39, took to Instagram on Sunday, April 20, to share a health update on the child.
“Thank you to everyone checking in on Philo after her big day in the Oval Office 🙏❤️,” Daphne wrote alongside a carousel of photos and video footage from the occasion. “We are so grateful it was nothing serious, and she bounced right back — with a trip for some delicious Navy Mess soft serve for good measure!!”
The post, which showed Philomena holding a cup of ice cream while seated beside brother Jovan, her mother and father, John Jovanovic, also included a screenshot of Dr. Oz’s social media post that captured Trump, 78, chatting to Philomena. (Dr. Oz was sworn in as Trump’s administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.)
Dr. Oz also took to Instagram on Sunday to address the situation. “Thank you to everyone who has checked in on our granddaughter Philomena after her eventful afternoon in the Oval Office. I am grateful to report she recovered quickly and was treated to delicious Navy Mess soft serve,” he captioned one of the photos that Daphne had included in her carousel.
Daphne’s post also thanked health professionals who cared for her daughter during the event. “Thank you to the incredible White House team and medical staff who were so kind to her,” Daphne’s caption continued before she reflected on the pride she felt for her father.
“I am always in awe of the myriad ways he has found to truly help and save lives, first as a cardio thoracic surgeon, then on his tv show which for many became an invaluable resource in helping us become experts in our own bodies and a part of the conversation,” she wrote. “Love you, Dad! ❤️”
At the ceremony, Dr. Oz was joined by wife, Lisa Oz, and their four children: son Oliver, and daughters Daphne, Arabella and Zoe. According to multiple outlets, several of Dr. Oz’s grandchildren were also in attendance.
After being sworn in by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump spoke to the crowd about Dr. Oz joining his administration. The president’s remarks were interrupted when Philomena collapsed.
According to People, one of Dr. Oz’s daughter said at the time, “Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go,” leading Dr. Oz to run over to the child to check on her before returning to Trump’s side. Daphne and Oliver, Philomena’s uncle, then walked the youngster out of the room, per the report.
The event was subsequently cut short following the incident, and reporters and bystanders were ushered out of the Oval Office. The White House confirmed the incident via a statement published by CBS News on Friday. “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.”