Fox News Channel anchor Neil Cavuto strongly urged viewers on Monday not to follow the example of President Donald Trump, who revealed that he is taking a malaria drug to protect against the coronavirus.
Trump said he has been taking the drug hydroxychloroquine for about a week and a half on the advice of his doctor. The drug was pushed as a potential treatment for COVID-19, but the government has warned of potentially fatal side effects if taken in high doses.
Cavuto, who has multiple sclerosis and other health issues, blasted Trump’s admission and warned viewers in vulnerable health that they could face serious consequences if they followed the president’s example without consulting their doctor.
“This is a leap that that should not be taken casually by those watching at home or assuming, well, the president of the United States says it’s okay,” Cavuto said.
He said he was saying it “not to make a political point here, but a life and death point. Be very, very careful.”
Trump responded on Twitter late Monday by reposting a series of tweets in which his supporters called Cavuto “irresponsible,” “foolish” and “gullible.”
The president added that Fox News “is no longer the same” and said he was “Looking for a new outlet!”
The Associated Press contributed to this article