Daphne Oz Speaks Out After Daughter Faints During White House Visit

Daphne Oz, daughter of renowned physician and television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, has spoken publicly for the first time after a frightening moment in the Oval Office involving her daughter, 11-year-old Philomena Jovanovic. The young girl fainted during a formal event at the White House, briefly halting a planned press conference.

The incident occurred shortly after Dr. Oz was officially sworn in as the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The ceremony was conducted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with members of the Oz family in attendance. The event, held in the presence of President Donald Trump, took an unexpected turn when Philomena collapsed near the reception desk.

Witnesses say the atmosphere quickly shifted as concerned family members and staff sprang into action. “Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!” someone could be heard calling out, urging Dr. Oz to attend to his granddaughter. The White House press corps was asked to leave the room immediately, and the press feed was cut as medical staff attended to the young girl.

Shortly afterward, Daphne Oz took to social media to provide reassurance and express gratitude. In a heartfelt post, she wrote, “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!”

Daphne, a best-selling author and television host known for her time co-hosting ABC’s daytime food show The Chew, praised the quick response of the White House medical team and shared appreciation for how her daughter was treated in a moment of distress. She also thanked President Trump for showing personal kindness to her children during the incident.

“Most of all, thank you to President Trump who went out of his way to make both our children feel comfortable in a stressful situation,” she shared. “He was exceedingly warm, caring and generous as he spent personal time with each of them at the Resolute Desk and gifted them treasures to take home. A more than memorable day at the White House for all of us!”

Dr. Oz also posted an update following the event, saying, “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 and some very special time speaking with the President while they explored the treasure drawer of the Resolute Desk together.”

The moment, though startling, did not lead to any ongoing health concerns for Philomena, and family members have since confirmed she is doing well.

Dr. Oz, a former cardiac surgeon and long-running host of The Dr. Oz Show, was recently confirmed as head of CMS by a 53-45 vote in the Senate. The agency oversees a budget of approximately $1.5 trillion and manages critical federal health programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Although he previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, Dr. Oz did not win that race. However, his background in medicine and public communication played a role in his selection for this key government position. His swearing-in marks a new chapter in his career, as he moves from media to public service.

In addition to the CMS appointment, recent changes within the administration included new selections for the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). Among those announced were public figures such as Mark Levin and Bo Dietl, as well as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Florida State Senator Joseph Gruters. The Council is tasked with helping shape homeland security policy and strategies under the leadership of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

While the primary focus of the day had been policy and new appointments, the unexpected health scare involving young Philomena became a defining moment, illustrating both the unpredictability of live events and the human element behind public service ceremonies.

Ultimately, the day served as a significant milestone for the Oz family — marked not only by professional achievement but also by personal resilience and the kindness shown during an unexpected medical event. As Daphne Oz emphasized, it was a memorable occasion in every sense, and one her family will not soon forget.