In response to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), via its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority, initially provided, and then revoked, authorization for use of hydroxychloroquine for treating patients with COVID-19. This process was politically and scientifically contentious and illustrates central problems that can arise with emergency drug authorizations during crises. These problems include the authorization of potentially ineffective or unsafe therapeutics, the appearance of nonexpert political advocacy generating public pressure for product authorizations with questionable safety and efficacy, and the imposition of significant costs on the health of the public and on the credibility and influence of regulatory agencies such as the FDA.