Trump jokes 'hope I didn’t catch COVID' after health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sneezes 

Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump had a brief COVID scare on Tuesday when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sneezed just a foot away from him during an Oval Office press conference. The incident occurred as Trump announced a landmark deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices in the United States.

While Trump highlighted efforts to reduce insulin costs during his first administration, Kennedy sneezed into his elbow. Trump joked, “God bless you, Bobby. I hope I didn’t catch COVID just there,” prompting laughter among officials. He then asked Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, “Don’t you have Paxlovid? He’s got Paxlovid. Give me a Paxlovid immediately,” referring to the antiviral medication used to treat COVID-19 in high-risk patients.

The press event marked the launch of TrumpRx, a new platform enabling Americans to buy prescription drugs directly from manufacturers, bypassing insurance.

Pfizer, responding to Trump’s July letters to 17 pharmaceutical companies demanding “most favored nation pricing”, became the first major drugmaker to publicly agree to reduce the cost of several medications for Medicaid.

Trump on lowering drug prices

Trump described the Pfizer deal as a turning point in U.S. prescription drug costs, long among the highest globally. “Americans have been paying almost three times what other nations pay. That ends now,” he said.

In May, Trump signed an executive order directing drugmakers to align U.S. prices with international rates, warning that non-compliance could result in rulemaking enforcement or importation of cheaper medicines.

Trump’s COVID concerns and health

At 79, Trump is the oldest US president in history and has long been known to be cautious about germs. His reaction to Kennedy’s sneeze also drew attention amid questions about his health, as the president has been seen covering bruising on his hands during public appearances, attributed by the White House to frequent handshakes and aspirin use. Health experts have expressed skepticism regarding the explanation.

The Oval Office exchange also recalled Trump’s first term when he was hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center after contracting COVID-19.

Details of the Pfizer deal

While the deal aims to lower prices for Medicaid, many specifics remain unclear, including which drugs are included. Pfizer has not agreed to reduce prices for other government programs, such as Medicare. TrumpRx is expected to feature medications from multiple major pharmaceutical companies, although the website is not yet live.

Tuesday’s press conference highlighted Trump’s ongoing focus on reducing U.S. prescription drug prices, while also providing a light-hearted moment when he reacted to Kennedy’s sneeze, demonstrating both the importance of health security and the administration’s policy achievements.