One of President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters in the House of Representatives, Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX), tested positive for the virus last month after repeatedly following the President's lead in dismissing the threat of the virus.
Gohmert often resisted wearing a mask, refused to allow his staff to work remotely, and even gathered his staff in person to tell them of his diagnosis.
Since his positive test result, Gohmert continues to amplify the President's rhetoric, claiming it was likely wearing a mask that gave him the virus and that his doctor has prescribed him hydroxychloroquine.
Hydroxychloroquine is the anti-malarial drug that Trump insists is an effective treatment for the virus, despite mountains of studies and his own officials saying otherwise.
Gohmert gave another full-throated endorsement of the drug on Twitter.
I am taking #Hydroxychloroquine to treat my coronavirus diagnosis. It is what was decided as the best course of action between my doctor and me--not by government bureaucrats. How long until the tech tyrants censor this tweet? https://t.co/dzAYAXiQ8p
— Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) July 31, 2020
Gohmert mused that "tech tyrants" on Twitter would censor his tweet, alluding to Twitter's recent flags on misleading or outright false videos endorsing hydroxychloroquine as a treatment.
But what some found most fascinating about Gohmert's recent tweet is his advocacy for courses of action "between my doctor and me—not by government bureaucrats."
This would appear to contradict Gohmert's long-held stance against reproductive rights, but reproductive rights advocates frequently assert that it is not the government's place to mandate that someone give birth.
Gohmert's argument for bodily and medical autonomy seemed to make a similar case.
Wishing you well, Louie! And thank you for standing with millions of women who don't want you coming between them and decisions they make with their doctor. How about this: you stay out of their doctor's office and we stay out of yours. https://t.co/WiX89l8NXa
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) August 1, 2020
So, your doctor is actually more stupid than you? Or your lying about taking it. Which is it?
Oh.. And when did you become such an advocate of person's right to choose what's best for their own body/health? https://t.co/gT8t7cN8md
— Don't be Nerfherder!😷 (@DarkLeia2187) August 3, 2020
@replouiegohmert I'm so glad to see you advocating for medical decisions being made by a person & their doctor rather than via government intervention. I trust this belief includes the decisions pregnant people make with their doctors & look forward to your advocacy in that area https://t.co/Cyv7dTykpr
— Laura (@LaurasBrink) August 3, 2020
Ah yes, coming from the douchebag who literally can't keep his mind or hands out of what women get to do in consultation with their own doctors. The government isn't a “bureaucracy" when he's the one getting to decide for others. https://t.co/W1w4zrGtzS
— Joseph C (@Jc062388) August 3, 2020
Here's @replouiegohmert announcing to all his #GOP that he is now supporting every woman's Right to Choose..My Body My Choice! 💪🏽 effing Government stay out of my doctor's office!! https://t.co/OD5HLFAwfQ
— connie (@mewmewmew13) August 3, 2020
Welcome to the Pro Choice movement @replouiegohmert ! Your body, your choice! Good luck with your treatment! https://t.co/G5q7PKmZd9
— Davey Lately (@DaveyLatelyNC) August 3, 2020
Given Gohmert's unwavering support for Trump and the evidence against hydroxychloroquine's effectiveness as a treatment, some doubt the veracity of Gohmert's claims that he was actually prescribed it.
Show us your prescription
— Adam Parkhomenko (@AdamParkhomenko) August 1, 2020
I kind of think the Louie Gohmert thing is a scam. He will now be miraculously cured by Hydroxychloroquine since he announced he is taking it.
— yo (@SoCalindy) August 1, 2020
Yeah, screw those world-renowned medical experts who've proven that hydroxychloroquine doesn't work for COVID-19. Just be like Louis Gohmert and shop-around until you find some unethical quack who'll prescribe whatever a patient demands.
Assuming you're not lying, that is.
— Steve F. (@backyardsage) August 2, 2020
Gohmert is currently asymptomatic.
@jaketapoer/Bluesky
@BillAckman/Twitter