President Trump’s doctor confirmed that he spoke with the president about taking hydroxychloroquine to protect against contracting the coronavirus.
On Monday, Trump said he had been taking hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malaria drug, “for a couple of weeks” to prevent COVID-19. In a subsequent memo, Sean Conley, the chief White House physician, confirmed that the president has been taking the drug following an outbreak of the coronavirus within the White House.
“As has been previously reported, two weeks ago, one of the president’s support staff tested positive for COVID-19. The president is in very good health and has remained symptom-free. He receives regular COVID-19 testing, all negative to date,” Conley stated.
“After numerous discussions he and I had regarding the evidence for and against the use of hydroxychloroquine, we concluded the potential benefit from treatment outweighed the relative risks,” he added.
Conley said he has continued to monitor studies about the drug and has consulted other medical professionals about its use. He did not indicate whether he prescribed the medication to the president, but a Trump spokeswoman said the president did receive a prescription and is taking the drug.
Hydroxychloroquine has not been proven to be an effective therapeutic for the coronavirus, though there has been anecdotal evidence from those who have tried it while battling COVID-19.
“I think it’s good. I’ve heard a lot of good stories,” Trump said.
