Trump defends unproven drug, calls Pelosi 'sick'

President Donald Trump went to Capitol Hill for lunch Tuesday with Senate Republicans — in what was perhaps one of the largest social gatherings still happening in locked-down Washington — as officials consider next steps in the coronavirus response.

As he departed the meeting, Trump sounded an optimistic tone saying "tremendous progress" was made "on a lot of different issues."

"We have a lot of very positive things happening, both in terms of the country, in terms of the election that's coming up. We're doing very well in every way," Trump said.

He also doubled down on his decision to take a malaria drug that he's been touting as a treatment for the coronavirus, insisting the drug has "a great reputation" and gives you "an additional level of safety."

Asked about some of the studies of hydroxycholoriquine which have warned of potentially fatal side effects, Trump said there was only one "bad survey" and he took issue with the results.

"They were giving it to people that were in very bad shape. They were very old, almost dead. It was a Trump enemy statement," he said.

The president brushed off comments from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Trump is "morbidly obese" and therefore not a good candidate to take hydroxycholoriquine, calling her a "waste of time."

A few minutes later, Trump called Pelosi "a sick woman" with "a lot of mental problems."

"We're dealing with people that have to get their act together for the good of the country," he said.