Senator Johnson Amplifies Dangerous Misinformation, Endorses Discredited Doctor’s Book Promoting Unproven Treatment

WASHINGTON – Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) is facing renewed scrutiny for his continued promotion of unsubstantiated medical claims and conspiracy theories, this time lending his endorsement to a book advocating for the use of chlorine dioxide – a potent bleach – as a cure-all for ailments ranging from autism to COVID-19. The endorsement raises concerns about the spread of dangerous misinformation and the potential harm to vulnerable individuals seeking unproven treatments.

A History of Disputed Claims

For years, Senator Johnson has been a vocal proponent of treatments and theories dismissed by the medical and scientific communities. He previously championed disproven COVID-19 treatments, including ivermectin, and falsely claimed athletes were experiencing adverse health effects linked to COVID-19 vaccination without providing evidence. This pattern of promoting unsubstantiated claims has drawn criticism from public health experts and raised questions about his judgment.

The latest controversy centers around “The War on Chlorine Dioxide: The Medicine That Could End Medicine,” authored by Dr. Pierre Kory, a critical care specialist who lost his medical board certifications after advocating for the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Kory alleges a widespread conspiracy to suppress the “medicinal wonders” of chlorine dioxide, claiming it can treat everything from cancer and malaria to autism and COVID-19.

Senator Johnson’s blurb on the book jacket calls it “a gripping tale of corruption and courage that will open eyes and prompt serious questions,” effectively lending credibility to Kory’s dangerous claims. When contacted by ProPublica, Johnson confirmed he had read the book and authorized the statement, even asking, “Have you read the book?”

The Dangers of “Miracle Mineral Solution”

Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent in industrial settings, including food processing plants and water treatment facilities. While safe in controlled, diluted applications, ingesting chlorine dioxide – often marketed as “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS) – can be severely harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has repeatedly warned that drinking these mixtures can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

Despite these warnings, proponents continue to promote MMS online, particularly within communities seeking alternative treatments for autism. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 100 children globally are affected by autism spectrum disorder, making this community particularly vulnerable to exploitation by purveyors of unproven and dangerous treatments. The desperation of parents seeking solutions for their children can lead them to embrace false hope and potentially harmful remedies.

“It is all lunacy. Absolutely, it’s 100% nonsense,” said Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, an expert on pseudoscience. “It’s a poison when it’s in high concentrations.”

A Pattern of Disciplinary Action and Advocacy

Dr. Kory’s advocacy for unproven treatments extends beyond COVID-19. His medical certifications were revoked by the American Board of Internal Medicine for spreading misinformation about ivermectin. He is currently suing the board, citing free speech rights, in a case still progressing in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite losing his certifications, Kory continues to practice telehealth and promote his theories.

Senator Johnson has a history of supporting Kory, inviting him to testify as an expert witness during Senate hearings in 2020. In 2022, Johnson and Kory co-authored an op-ed opposing a California bill that would have allowed medical boards to discipline doctors for spreading COVID-19 misinformation, a bill that was later repealed after a court challenge.

The Broader Context of Anti-Science Sentiment

The promotion of chlorine dioxide and other unproven treatments reflects a growing trend of anti-science sentiment and distrust in public health institutions. According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in March 2023, public trust in scientists remains relatively stable, but significant partisan gaps persist, with Republicans expressing considerably less trust in scientists than Democrats.

Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, notes that Senator Johnson was “an early adopter of anti-science ideas” but is no longer an outlier. “What may have started off as the cutting edge of an anti-science movement has now turned into a much more broader-based movement that is supported by millions of people,” he said.

The release of Kory’s book coincides with a broader push by anti-vaccine groups, such as the Children’s Health Defense, to spread misinformation about vaccines and other public health measures. The organization, founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently held a conference featuring both Senator Johnson and Dr. Kory as speakers. This confluence of events underscores the growing challenge of combating misinformation and protecting public health in an era of increasing distrust in science.

As parents and individuals grapple with complex health challenges, it is crucial to rely on evidence-based information from trusted medical professionals and public health organizations. The promotion of dangerous and unproven treatments like chlorine dioxide poses a serious threat to public health and underscores the need for vigilance and critical thinking.