Donald Trump’s administration is trying to discredit physician and immunologist Dr. #AnthonyFauci surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
Fauci is the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, and he’s been put in charge to handle the coronavirus crisis. There are currently 60,000 new cases occurring every day, and over the weekend, Trump tried to tarnish Fauci’s reputation as a disease specialist by telling news outlets that the physician has made several “mistakes” in his predictions. A White House official made the statement on Saturday saying, “several White House officials are concerned about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things.” Some of those “things” Trump’s administration is attempting to call him out on were his initial claims that “people should not be walking around with masks” earlier on in the pandemic.
Rumors have circulated that Trump has been blocking Fauci from media appearances because of his tendency to be straightforward about details concerning the virus that directly contrasts with statements made by Trump and Fauci’s push against the country reopening. However, The Guardian reports that Fauci has still made his voice heard by testifying in Congress and speaking at other press events. According to The Guardian, Fauci said last week he hadn’t updated Trump about the virus in months.
On Sunday, the World Health Organization reported that there are now 230,000 new COVID-19 cases, and a large amount of the cases come from the U.S. On Monday, WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that places seeing a resurgence are the result of communities not following the coronavirus safety precautions. “Let me be blunt. Too many countries are headed in the wrong direction. The virus remains public enemy number one, but the actions of many governments and people do not reflect this,” said Ghebreyesus.
The good news is: whether Trump likes or dislikes Fauci, he can’t really fire him, according to CNN. The outlet reports that the Trump administration also has no plans to dismiss Fauci. “I have a very good relationship with Dr. Fauci, I’ve had for a long time,” said Trump during a White House roundtable event honoring police officers. “I find him to be a very nice person. I don’t always agree with him.”
