Steven J. Hatfill, a virologist infamous for his promotion of hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19, has been appointed to a new role within the USDA. He’ll be turning his attention toward pandemic prevention initiatives. Hatfill, who served in Donald Trump’s first administration, has a dog’s breakfast of a history. He had a profound influence on biodefense research over his long career.
The short biography of Hatfill’s career includes a distinguished career, including a significant stint as a biodefense researcher for the U.S. Army in 2001. His efforts during this time would earn national recognition. He was then dubbed a “person of interest” in the ongoing inquiry into anthrax-laced envelopes that led to five deaths and 17 other infections. All of these controversies notwithstanding, Hatfill has continued to be a very public proponent of hydroxychloroquine, frequently claiming that it is safe.
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hatfill emerged as one of the most prominent advocates for hydroxychloroquine, an unproven antidote. He stated, “There is no ambiguity there. It is a safe drug.” His advocacy was at its height when former President Donald Trump publicly touted hydroxychloroquine after contracting COVID-19 in 2020. At the time, Trump had authorized the ordering of millions of doses of the life-saving drug for U.S. patients from Brazil.
When Hatfill advocated for the use of hydroxychloroquine, he received violent backlash. In June 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on using hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19. They unveiled data on new potentially deadly heart rhythm problems and other embarrassing safety concerns linked to these drugs. Further, a study that initially indicated the drug’s effectiveness withdrew its positive conclusions from the very medical journal that published them.
In the wake of these defeats, Hatfill hasn’t given up on his battle against future pandemics. He stated that he aims to “help get us ready for the next pandemic,” reflecting his commitment to research and preparedness in public health.
Tom Inglesby, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, could provide him with one. As a former appointee in the administration of President Joe Biden, his perspectives may help inform how Hatfill approaches this new position. The appointment raises questions about the future direction of U.S. pandemic preparedness efforts and the influence of past controversies on public health policy.