Karen Whitsett, D-M.I., is personally thanking President Donald Trump for saving her life.
How did he do it?
Hydroxychloroquine.
It’s the controversial drug causing a stir between world leaders and health officials alike –– some arguing it may cure, others urging doctors to wait until more studies on the drug are conducted. The drug is also used in the treatment and prevention of malaria, and the treatment lupus, among other ailments.
Trump has urged doctors to consider using hydroxychloroquine to treat some patients who have fallen ill to the Wuhan virus, saying ancedotal evidence is strong — and time is of the essence.
Whitsett, a Michigan state House of Representatives member, asked for the treatment after hearing Trump speak about it.
And she says it saved her life.
The president has been an ardent supporter of hydroxychloroquine, vocalizing his opinion on the drug during his press conference appearances alongside Dr. Anthony Fauci and Vice President Mike Pence, among other White House leaders.
“It has a lot to do with the president … bringing it up,” Whitsett told The Detroit Free Press. “He is the only person who has the power to make it a priority.”
Whitsett is saying outright that she has Trump to thank for saving her life and raising awareness.
She appeared on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” to talk about it:
Mich Rep. Karen Whitsett talks about her COVID-19 diagnosis and getting prescribed hydroxychloroquine, which she says saved her
"If President Trump had not talked about this it wouldn't have been accessible for anyone to be able to get right now. It would not even be possible." pic.twitter.com/XZKUJdVC76
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) April 7, 2020
And in a moment of unity, Trump responded to Whitsett on Twitter, wishing her a quick recovery.
Congratulations to State Representative Karen Whitsett of Michigan. So glad you are getting better! https://t.co/v6z46rUDtg
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 6, 2020
Detroit Free Press reports that Whitsett and her husband, an engineer at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, was likely exposed at work and brought the virus home.
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While it’s true that many doctors hold differing beliefs about its treatment in the case of COVID-19 patients, Trump continues to suggest that health care workers consider using it in certain circumstances.
The Horn editorial team