Donald Trump's officials have revealed they tried to stop him from suggesting that injecting bleach could be an effective way to treat coronavirus.
In a task force briefing on April 23, the then-President spoke about potential cures for COVID-19, and encouraged health officials to study the benefits of injecting bleach.
"I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in a minute, one minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?" the then-President asked officials during the press conference.
"You see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number [on the] lungs, so it would be interesting to check that," he continued.
"We're going to have to use medical doctors, but it seems interesting to me."
Trump's former aides told Politico they attempted to stop the president from addressing reporters that day.
As Trump walked through the White House to talk to reporters, "a few of us actually tried to stop it in the West Wing hallway," one former White House official told Politico.
"I actually argued that President Trump wouldn't have the time to absorb it and understand it. But I lost, and it went how it did."
Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles urged New Zealanders not to listen to Trump's claims.
"I can't believe that I have to tell you that please don't inhale or inject disinfectants," she said.
"Disinfectants are things like bleach and stuff, and they are really dangerous. They generally have warnings on them not to drink them or do anything - so year, please don't do that, whoever is thinking that's a good idea."
It's not the first time Trump has suggested unproven treatments as a potential cure for COVID-19.
The former president also suggested hydroxychloroquine would be a good way to treat the virus, despite US health authorities warning against its use.
