Trump ends remarks to reporters

Trump ends remarks to reporters

President Donald Trump's remarks to reporters following the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Mehmet Oz as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ended abruptly on April 18, 2025. The press briefing was interrupted when a young girl fainted, according to the Associated Press and Newsweek [1].

Trump was in the midst of responding to questions about Iran's nuclear program when the incident occurred. Dr. Oz, who had invited the girl, rushed to her side. The girl was able to stand but was assisted out of the room. A White House spokesperson confirmed that she is okay [1].

Dr. Oz, a former heart surgeon and TV talk-show host, took over the leadership of CMS at a time when Congress is actively debating potential cuts to Medicaid. Oz, who is 64, has a background in public health and has expressed support for Medicaid work requirements and improving the quality of care [1].

In his remarks, Trump reaffirmed his pledge of "no cuts" to Medicare and Medicaid and thanked Oz for his commitment to public service [1]. Oz, during his Senate confirmation hearing, stated that he cherishes Medicaid but declined to state whether he would oppose funding cuts or resist Trump administration proposals that would reduce Medicaid eligibility or introduce work requirements [1].

The abrupt end to Trump's remarks comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard University. The administration has accused Harvard of being a "liberal mess" and has demanded sweeping changes at the university. Harvard has responded by suing the Trump administration over a freeze on grants, alleging that the demands violate the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act [2].

The Trump administration has also been cracking down on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, pulling over $600 million in contracts to teacher preparation programs that advanced "inappropriate and unnecessary topics" [3].

References:
[1] https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-news-conference-ends-suddenly-2061555
[2] https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/trump-goes-after-harvard-and-its-lawyer-in-latest-tirade-1
[3] https://www.christianpost.com/news/harvard-sues-the-trump-administration-over-funding-freeze.html