Much of recent criticism launched at VA has centered on its use of hydroxychloroquine, a fixture in Trump’s briefings and on Fox News as a treatment until a study by VA and academic researchers said it was linked to a higher rate of deaths of veterans who received it.

The results of the study, which included physicians at VA’s Columbia, S.C., hospital, were not part of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial and have not been peer-reviewed or published in academic journals. But they provided researchers with potential new insights into the drug.

Veterans of Foreign Wars said it is “very disturbed” VA is still administering the drug for covid-19 treatment.

“We request the immediate halt of this drug for our veterans until further information on its true impact is determined,” said William Schmitz, the national commander of the veteran service organization.