Trump’s theory about disinfectant has a deep, dark history with Aids denialism

Since the earliest days of the Aids epidemic, there were promises of 'miracle cures' ranging from light therapies and magnetic waves to crystals and electric shocks – and yes, injections of bleach, writes Christine Stegling

President Donald Trump listens during a briefing about the coronavirus at the White House in Washington (AP)

When President Trump used a White House press conference to ponder out loud as to the potential solutions to the Covid-19 crisis, including ultraviolet light and injections of disinfectant, cameras zoomed in on the face of the US government’s coronavirus response coordinator, Dr Deborah Birx.

Dr Birx’s non-verbal reaction to the president’s suggestions – which are at best ineffective, at worst more deadly than the virus itself – has sparked memes and raised questions.

Some have asked how eminent scientists can sit quietly in the presence of unscientific statements and leave them unchallenged. Others have expressed sympathy for Dr Birx’s position; no one can envy the task of advising this president, at this time.