US President Donald Trump has again insisted on the use of hydroxychloroquine as treatment for Covid-19, contrary to his public officials' stand.
President Trump argued that hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, was only rejected as Covid-19 treatment because he made the suggestion. Aside from having no evidence that it can fight the virus, regulators warned that the drug may cause heart problems.
Hydroxychloroquine not effective against Covid-19
In June, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against using the malaria drug as treatment for coronavirus, after it received reports of "serious heart rhythm problems" and other health issues.
The emergency-use authorization it issued previously for the drug for Covid-19 treatment has also been revoked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "there is currently no proof" that it is effective as a treatment or prevents Covid-19.
Despite Trump's repeated recommendation of hydroxychloroquine, studies commissioned by the WHO, the US National Institutes of Health and other medical researchers globally has found no evidence that that the drug helps treat coronavirus.
It's all about politics
On Tuesday, President Trump told White House reporters: "I can only say that from my standpoint, and based on a lot of reading and a lot of knowledge about it, I think it could have a very positive impact in the early stages."
He added: "I don't think you lose anything by doing it, other than politically it doesn't seem too popular. When I recommend something, they like to say 'don't use it.'"
A recent video from group called America's Frontline Doctors promoting hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment was shared social media users, including President Trump and his son Donald Trump Jr.
The video in question showed doctors speaking outside the US Supreme Court at an event organized by Tea Party Patriots Action, a group that is not required to disclose its donors and has helped fund a pro-Trump political action committee.
In the video, Dr. Stella Immanuel from Houston, says she has successfully treated 350 coronavirus patients "and counting" with hydroxychloroquine.
Trump said: "I think they're very respected doctors. There was a woman who was spectacular in her statements about it."
However, Facebook and Twitter both removed the content, labeling it as misinformation, but after over 17 million people had seen one of the clips.
America's Frontline Doctors' founder Simone Gold accused social media companies of censorship for removing the hydroxychloroquine video.
She tweeted: "Treatment options for COVID-19 should be debated, and spoken about among our colleagues in the medical field. They should never, however, be censored and silenced."
Trump Jr. Twitter suspension
The president's statement was issued after Twitter decided to suspend his eldest son's account from tweeting for 12 hours after he shared the clip. Trump Jr. will still be able to browse Twitter and send direct messages while the suspension is in effect.
Twitter said: "We are taking action in line with our policy."
Andy Surabian, a spokesman for Donald Trump Jr. called Twitter’s decision as "beyond the pale".
Surabian said: "Twitter suspending Don Jr for sharing a viral video of medical professionals discussing their views on hydroxychloroquine is further proof that big tech is intent on killing free expression online, and is another instance of them committing election interference to stifle Republican voices."
