'I hope I didn't catch Covid': Trump jokes after RFK Jr sneezes during Oval Office presser

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump added humor to a high-profile White House event on September 30 when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr sneezed next to him during the launch of TrumpRx, a new initiative to cut prescription drug costs.

The lighthearted exchange occurred as Trump outlined details of the program alongside Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla and other top health officials. Kennedy Jr, standing just a foot away from the president, sneezed into his elbow, prompting Trump to pause, smile, and quip, “God bless you, Bobby… I hope I didn’t catch Covid just there.”

Turning to Bourla, Trump added, “Don’t you have Paxlovid? He’s got Paxlovid. Give me a Paxlovid immediately.” The joke drew laughter from the audience and recalled the early pandemic days when even minor symptoms sparked widespread concern.   

Social media reacts to Trump’s Paxlovid joke

One user on X commented, "Right in front of the Pfizer CEO, no less. Who couldn’t love this guy?"

Another said, "Right off the cuff. Every time. Sharp as a tack."

Another added,"Only Trump could turn a sneeze into a national security briefing Absolute legend energy."

One remarked, "OMG all of my responses are going to be God Bless you Bobby for the rest of the day."

Another wrote, "We all need a good joke and sense of humor about now. And Trump always has one :-) And Bobby, without fail!"

One user added, "Say what you will about him, but Trump is the funniest politician alive... maybe ever."

And one commented,"Remember when Biden was this sharp? Me neither."

Trump’s Paxlovid quip echoes Covid-19 moment

The humorous moment echoed a 2020 press briefing when Trump jokingly stepped away from Dr Deborah Birx after she mentioned having a fever.

Tuesday’s remark also served as a callback to Paxlovid, Pfizer’s antiviral medication, which became widely known during the pandemic for treating Covid-19 infections.

By blending levity with policy, Trump aimed to keep the focus on TrumpRx, his administration’s latest healthcare initiative, while easing the tension often surrounding prescription drug debates.

TrumpRx program bypasses insurers direct access to cheaper medications

The TrumpRx initiative is designed to give Americans direct access to discounted medications by purchasing them online through TrumpRx.gov, a government-run website expected to launch in early 2026.

According to the White House, the platform will bypass traditional insurance and pharmacy middlemen, allowing consumers to pay cash for select prescription drugs.

Pfizer is among the first pharmaceutical giants to partner with the program, agreeing to list many of its products at reduced prices.

Discounts are expected to range between 50% and 85%, with most drugs averaging around half price. Some of the initial medications available include Eucrisa (for dermatitis), Xeljanz (for rheumatoid arthritis), and Zavzpret (for migraines). 

Pfizer strikes major deal with Trump administration

In addition to joining TrumpRx, Pfizer has agreed to provide all of its medications to Medicaid at “most favored nation” pricing, matching the lowest rates available in developed nations.

In return, the company will receive a three-year exemption from certain tariffs tied to national security, provided it invests in US-based manufacturing facilities. 

TrumpRx rollout set for 2026 launch

While the full list of drugs and prices remains partially confidential, officials confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with other pharmaceutical companies to expand offerings.

The administration expects TrumpRx to officially launch in early 2026, with the aim of lowering costs for millions of Americans.

For Trump, the event highlighted a key policy goal while offering a moment of levity. His Paxlovid quip ensured that even a sneeze became headline-worthy during the rollout of his latest healthcare plan. 

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