America’s Frontline Doctors - Bias and Credibility

CONSPIRACY-PSEUDOSCIENCE

Sources in the Conspiracy-Pseudoscience category may publish unverifiable information that is not always supported by evidence. In addition, these sources may be untrustworthy for credible/verifiable information; therefore, fact-checking and further investigation is recommended on a per-article basis when obtaining information from these sources. See all Conspiracy-Pseudoscience sources.

Overall, we rate America’s Frontline Doctors a quackery-level pseudoscience website based on promoting false or misleading information regarding Coronavirus that does not align with the scientific consensus. We also rate them Low for factual reporting due to a lack of transparency and using known pseudoscience sources to draw their conclusions.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: PSEUDOSCIENCE RIGHT BIASED
Factual Reporting: LOW
Country: USA
Press Freedom Rank: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: LOW CREDIBILITY

History

Founded on 07/16/2020 by Simone Gold with the domain registered in Toronto, Canada, America’s Frontline Doctors is a website that consists of a group of doctors that report information on COVID-19 from a conservative perspective. The website lacks transparency as they do not provide an about page or disclose ownership; however, they give a page that lists its leadership, which does not contain an Epidemiologist, Immunologist, or Infectious Disease, expert. Additionally, if they have qualified physicians and researchers on staff, they are not listed on the website.

On 7/27/2020, America’s Frontline Doctors released a video claiming that Hydroxychloroquine cures Covid-19 and masks are unnecessary. Conservative news outlet Breitbart published a story and the video that went viral, reaching millions. However, on 7/28/2020, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube removed the video due to the “doctors making false and dubious claims related to the coronavirus.”

Finally, in July 2021, their website went offline.

On 6/16/2022, Simone Gold was sentenced to 60 days in jail for participating in the January 6th, 2021, capitol riot.

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

America’s Frontline Doctors does not disclose ownership or sponsorship. While we cannot find concrete evidence of ownership, there are indications they may be affiliated with the Tea Party Patriots as they broadcast their event live. Further, it appears the founder, Dr. Simone Gold, is working directly with the Tea Party Patriots, as evidenced here: “Many Americans are avoiding or delaying routine medical care out of fear of contracting the virus, Gold said. She said that they’re working with Tea Party Patriots Action to get their message out.”

Analysis / Bias

In review, the website consists of sections such as Summit, Media, and Blog. For example, under “summit,” there are subsections “Summit Agenda, Leadership, Speakers, References, Testimonials” the subsection References include two pdf files, “White Paper on Hydroxychloroquine,” which consists of an interview with Pseudoscience promoter Dr. Mehmet Oz. The White Paper research describes Hydroxychloroquine as a safe and effective cure for Covid-19. However, according to the FDA and several other studies, Hydroxychloroquine is not effective for Covid-19.

Under the “Compendium of HCQ Studies,” they reference Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter. His name also appears in a letter to President Trump with other conservative activists aligned with the Tea Party Patriots. You can view the letter here. The second PDF document lists Dr. Vladimir Zelenko as a source the Tea Party PAC touted.

In the video of their press conference that aired on 7/27/2020, a Pediatrician and religious minister named Stella Immanuel claimed that with Hydroxychloroquine, “You don’t need masks; there is a cure.” Both of these statements are false. As stated above, Hydroxychloroquine is not an effective treatment/cure for Covid-19, and mask coverings are an effective way to limit transmission.

According to Johns Hopkins University infectious disease expert Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H, “Face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because it’s possible to have coronavirus without showing symptoms, it is best to wear a face-covering even if you think you are healthy. A mask helps contain small droplets that come out of your mouth and/or nose when you talk, sneeze, or cough. If you have COVID-19 and are not showing symptoms, a face mask reduces your chance of spreading the infection to others.” Stella Immanuel has also made questionable claims in the past, such as “Endometriosis is caused by people having sex in their dreams with demons and witches,” and that “alien DNA is currently used in medical treatments, and that scientists are creating a vaccine to prevent people from being religious.” She also claims that the government is run by “reptilians.”

In general, America’s Frontline Doctors lack credibility as none specializes in infectious diseases. Further, much of the information they present is not supported by the scientific consensus regarding Covid-19. Lastly, the group appears to be connected to the Tea Party Patriots, owned by the Tea Party Patriots Fund, which lobbies for small government and conservative causes.

Failed Fact Checks

Overall, we rate America’s Frontline Doctors a quackery-level pseudoscience website based on promoting false or misleading information regarding Coronavirus that does not align with the scientific consensus. We also rate them Low for factual reporting due to a lack of transparency and using known pseudoscience sources to draw their conclusions. (D. Van Zandt 7/28/2020) Updated (11/25/2022)

Source: https://www.americasfrontlinedoctors.com/

Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by Media Bias Fact Check