Ledger · First term · № 139

almost immediately

Hydroxychloroquine 'available almost immediately'

Broken

“We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately.”

Promised

March 19, 2020, White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing

Stated deadline

“almost immediately” → March 20, 2020

Overdue by

6 years, 6 months as of September 22, 2026

Re-promised

4 times with a fresh deadline

Topic

COVID-19

Era

First term

What happened

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn corrected Trump at the same briefing, saying more study was needed. The FDA issued a narrow emergency use authorization on March 28, 2020 for stockpiled product in certain hospitalized patients, then revoked it on June 15, 2020 after trials showed no benefit and possible cardiac harm. The promotion caused shortages for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Sources

1. Trump announces potential 'game changer' on drugs to treat COVID-19, but FDA says more study is needed ABC News, Mar 19, 2020
2. Timeline: Tracking Trump alongside scientific developments on hydroxychloroquine ABC News, Aug 8, 2020