Topline
The White House aggressively denied inquiries questioning whether President Donald Trump received exclusive access to an Eli Lilly weight loss drug, shooting down rampant speculation after STAT News reported a request for drug access was made in April for a 79-year-old man.
US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after stepping off Air Force One at Reading Regional Airport on June 23, 2026.
Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images
Key Facts
Eli Lilly and the FDA allowed a person to have access to the drug through the latter’s “compassionate use” program, according to STAT, which allows patients access to experimental treatments if they have immediately life-threatening medical issues.
Noting the age of the person lined up with Trump’s when the request for the drug was made, STAT asked the White House if the patient was Trump, who turned 80 this month.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai, who directed STAT’s question to the Health and Human Services Department, blasted STAT on X on Tuesday morning and denied the application was for Trump.
This is developing story. Check back for updates.