Oprah Cuts Ties: Why She’s Silent on Dr. Phil & Dr. Oz Now
Oprah Winfrey Distances Herself from Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz Over Political Differences
The Big Picture
Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey recently spoke out about two famous doctors she helped make famous: Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Both men became huge stars after appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show. But in recent years, they’ve become known for their involvement in conservative politics—a term for right-leaning political views often associated with the Republican Party in the U.S.
Oprah says people now criticize her because of the political paths these two men have chosen. She wants to set the record straight about why she put them on her show in the first place.
The Backstory: How Oprah Helped Launch Their Careers
Important Point: Oprah didn’t discover Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz because of politics. She brought them on her show because she believed they had practical, helpful knowledge that could improve people’s lives.
Dr. Phil McGraw: The "Down-to-Earth" Advisor
- Oprah met Dr. Phil in the late 1990s during a long legal trial that lasted six weeks.
- He rode to court with her every morning.
- She describes him as "practical, down-to-earth, and real."
- She thought: “You could help a lot of people. You should come on my show.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz: The Medical Explainer
- Dr. Oz explained complex health topics—like colon cancer and digestive health—in simple, clear language.
- Oprah felt he had "the language for explaining medical things in a way that was helpful."
- She believed his knowledge would help many people, not just her.
What Oprah Said: "Everyone Has Their Own Path"
In an interview with Emmy Magazine, Oprah made her position clear:
"Everybody has their own path in life, and it has not one thing to do with me, and I don’t have one thing to do with them."
She emphasized:
- Her intention was never political.
- She gave them a platform because their information was valuable and meaningful to her at the time.
- What they do now is their choice, not a reflection of her.
Where Are They Now? A Quick Look at Their Political Paths
| Doctor | Recent Political Activity |
|---|---|
| Dr. Mehmet Oz | – Endorsed by Donald Trump – Ran for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania (2022) — lost to John Fetterman – Now serves as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (as of 2026) |
| Dr. Phil McGraw | – Has not publicly endorsed a party – Appeared at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally (Oct 2024) – Joined ICE immigration raids in Chicago with Trump’s "border czar" Tom Homan |
Key Term: ICE = Immigration and Customs Enforcement (a U.S. agency that enforces immigration laws).
Key Term: "Border czar" = An informal title for a top official put in charge of border security.
A Critic’s View: "Oprah Isn’t Non-Partisan Either"
Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters (a conservative media watchdog group), offered a different take:
- He says Oprah herself is politically active—she spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and is friends with the Obamas and CBS journalist Gayle King.
- He argues she "shouldn’t be seen as non-partisan" (meaning: not neutral or unbiased).
- He believes Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz should be allowed their own opinions without being labeled as "the exclusive partisans" (the only ones taking political sides).
Key Term: Non-partisan = Not supporting any one political party.
Key Term: Partisan = Strongly supporting one political party or side.
Important Points to Remember
CALL OUT: KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Oprah launched Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz because she valued their expertise, not their politics.
- Both doctors have since moved into conservative political circles.
- Oprah says: Their paths are theirs alone.
- A critic notes Oprah also engages in politics—so she may not be a neutral observer.
- The core issue: Can you separate a person’s past help from their future choices?
Summary
Oprah Winfrey helped turn Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz into household names because she believed their advice—legal strategy and medical knowledge—could help everyday people. Years later, both men have become visible in conservative politics. Oprah says she’s not responsible for their choices. Critics say she’s politically active too. The bottom line: People change. Mentors aren’t responsible for mentees’ futures. And everyone walks their own path.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Why did Oprah put Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz on her show?
A: Because she found their advice practical and helpful—Dr. Phil during her trial, Dr. Oz for explaining health topics simply.
Q2: Are Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz Republicans?
A: Dr. Oz was endorsed by Donald Trump and ran as a Republican. Dr. Phil hasn’t declared a party but has appeared at Trump events and joined ICE raids.
Q3: Does Oprah agree with their politics?
A: She did not say. She only said their current paths are not her responsibility.
Q4: Is Oprah political herself?
A: Yes. She spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and is known to support Democratic figures like the Obamas.
Q5: What does "partisan" mean?
A: It means strongly supporting one political party. "Non-partisan" means staying neutral.
Written in simple language so everyone can understand. No jargon left unexplained!