Greek-American Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla booed at White House event
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greek-American Pfizer CEO Dr Albert Bourla faced an unwelcoming reception at the White House during an event celebrating Black History Month, as some attendees jeered when former U.S. President Donald Trump introduced him.
“We also have with us the head of Pfizer … so I want to thank one of the great people…,” Trump said from the podium, only for boos to erupt from parts of the audience.
“One of the great businessmen,” Trump continued, undeterred. “Thank you, Albert, thank you,” he added, as some continued to voice their disapproval.
Bourla was among pharmaceutical industry executives attending the event for discussions with Trump and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding efforts to overturn certain drug pricing policies implemented during Joe Biden’s administration.
According to Latintimes.com and other U.S. media outlets, Bourla’s cold reception reflected ongoing skepticism toward health industry executives, particularly in the wake of the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year.
Among Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) base, hostility toward Pfizer specifically stems from lingering opposition to the company’s COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution.
“The negative reaction at the White House event serves as a reminder of the challenges healthcare companies face in restoring public trust, even as they work closely with government officials,” the report noted.
Trump introduces head of Pfizer at Black History Month reception
Immediately BOOED by crowd
Trump tries to quiet down the hecklers pic.twitter.com/zxGZdw0AoY
— RT (@RT_com) February 20, 2025
During the same event, Trump also spoke about Australia, praising the country for its strong relationship with the U.S.
While introducing golf legend Tiger Woods, he also mentioned Australian champion Adam Scott.
“Adam is, as Tiger will tell you, one of the greatest players… He’s a great ambassador for golf,” Trump said. “Even though he’s not exactly from our country, he’s here a lot. He comes from another great place—Australia, right? And they (Australians) are very, very good to us.”
The Age reported that next week, Australian superannuation fund leaders will visit Washington, with Herald Sun revealing that Australian funds are planning a $300 billion investment push in the U.S. over the next decade.
Currently, 20% of Australia’s retirement savings are already invested in the U.S., with plans to increase U.S. investments from $50 billion USD ($78 billion AUD) to $240 billion USD ($378 billion AUD) by 2035. The move could serve as an incentive for Trump to reconsider imposing tariffs on Australia.
Who is Bourla
Albert Bourla, of Jewish heritage, was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. He studied veterinary medicine at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a PhD in biotechnology of reproduction.
In addition to leading Pfizer, he now serves as Chairman of the Board of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
“It was an honor to be in Washington for the inaugural PhRMA Forum, where I joined other biopharmaceutical industry leaders, healthcare experts, patient advocates, and policymakers to discuss how we can continue advancing U.S. leadership and innovation in the life sciences,” Bourla posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He emphasised the U.S. biopharmaceutical sector’s unique ecosystem, comprising major pharmaceutical firms, biotech companies, private equity, and venture capital investments.
“The importance of our industry to society will only grow in the coming years and decades. People are living longer than ever before in human history, which means medical innovation is more crucial than ever,” he stated.
As PhRMA Chairman, Bourla said he takes the role seriously:
“I firmly believe we can overcome today’s most pressing health challenges—but only if industry leaders and government officials collaborate to drive pro-patient and pro-innovation policies. Together, we are an unstoppable force in addressing chronic diseases, ensuring access to life-changing medicines and vaccines, and improving patient outcomes.”
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
