Renowned media figure Oprah Winfrey has publicly addressed her connection to Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz, two television personalities whose careers she significantly influenced, particularly as they have become increasingly involved in conservative political circles.
During a recent interview with Emmy Magazine, Winfrey reflected on her extensive career and was questioned about her current feelings regarding McGraw and Oz.
The Origins of Their Collaboration
She acknowledged the criticism she faces concerning Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, often linked to their political stances or viewpoints. Winfrey recounted a six-week legal trial in the late 1990s where Dr. Phil McGraw provided practical, grounded support. She noted:
"Dr. Phil, he was so practical, so down-to-earth, so real. And he would ride in the car with me every morning on the way to trial, where I’m literally sitting on trial for six weeks."
Winfrey felt his assistance was instrumental during that period, leading her to believe he could help a broader audience and prompting his invitation to her program.
Regarding Dr. Oz, Winfrey explained:
"He explained practical things like colon cancer and bowel movements. I thought he had the language for explaining medical things in a way that was helpful to me. I thought it would be helpful to many other people. And that is how they ended up on the show."
Recent Political Engagements
Both McGraw and Oz have transitioned into prominent political figures in recent years. Dr. Oz, with the backing of former President Donald Trump, mounted an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania during the 2022 election cycle, ultimately losing to Senator John Fetterman.
While Dr. Phil McGraw has not formally endorsed a political party, he participated in a Trump campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in October 2024 and accompanied Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials during immigration operations in Chicago, alongside Tom Homan, who served as Trump's border czar.
Winfrey's Stance on Their Independence
Winfrey emphasized the distinct paths of the individuals she mentored:
"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 reiterated her initial motivations:
"At the time, the reason and intention behind me giving them their breaks was I thought they had valuable information to share that had been meaningful to me."
Media Commentary on Winfrey's Influence
A media critic offered commentary on Winfrey's position, suggesting that Oprah's friendships with progressive figures or those critical of Trump indicate her own political leanings are not an issue for her.
The critic added:
"Oprah wants us to feel bad for woke Prince Harry and Meghan or the woman in the Coldplay kiss cam. She herself is stuck on Woke 1,"
referencing a phrase used by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez concerning progressive identity politics.
Concluding, the critic remarked:
"Oprah and her friend/CBS 'Journalist' Gayle King can continue promoting whatever causes they want or pal around with the Obamas, but they shouldn't be seen as non-partisan by any stretch. While I'm sure they're incredibly grateful to her, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz should be allowed to have their own opinions and not be framed as the exclusive partisans."