Announces taking hydroxychloroquine despite FDA warnings and lack of evidence

Trump revealed he had been taking hydroxychloroquine and zinc for over a week as COVID-19 prevention, despite FDA warnings that the antimalarial drug could cause serious heart problems and had not been proven effective against coronavirus. NPR reported he was taking it 'despite FDA's caution' while the New York Times noted the announcement 'prompted warnings' from medical experts. PBS emphasized the drug was 'unproven' and FDA had specifically warned against its use. STAT News warned Trump's promotion could 'jeopardize supply' for people with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis who actually needed the medication. The announcement came after Trump had spent weeks heavily promoting the drug from the White House podium despite lack of scientific support, exemplifying his pattern of rejecting expert medical advice and promoting unproven treatments during the pandemic.

"I've been taking it for about a week and a half now and I'm still here." — White House press remarks, May 18, 2020