Fauci On Publicly Disagreeing With US President
‘It ain’t over till it’s over — but it’s never over’
NIAID director emphasises priority has always been to bring science to bear on pandemics
In an interview with the New York Times, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, discussed his experience publicly disagreeing with President Trump about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci said he has always been guided by the science and that he has tried to be respectful of the president, even when they disagree. He said he believes that it is important to speak out when he believes that the president is wrong, even if it means risking his job.
“I have never shied away from giving my opinion,” Fauci said. “I have always said what I thought was true and what I thought was in the best interests of the public health.”
Fauci said he believes that the president has been wrong about several aspects of the pandemic, including the severity of the virus, the effectiveness of masks, and the need for a national lockdown.
“I have been very clear that I believe the virus is serious, that masks are effective, and that a national lockdown is necessary,” Fauci said. “I think the president has been wrong about all of these things.”
Fauci said he believes that the pandemic is not over and that it will be important to continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” Fauci said. “We need to continue to be vigilant and to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
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