Fauci calls White House criticism of him bizarre, says 'let's stop this nonsense' and fight coronavirus

By Doina Chiacu

 

FILE PHOTO: Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on efforts to get back to work and school during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Washington, D.C., U.S. June 30, 2020. Al Drago/Pool via REUTERS

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Wednesday called the White House effort to discredit him "bizarre" and urged an end to the divisiveness over the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic, saying "let's stop this nonsense."

 

Fauci, who has become a popular and trusted figure during the coronavirus outbreak, came under criticism from President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies as Fauci cautioned against reopening the U.S. economy too soon.

 

The recent spike in coronavirus infections, primarily in states that were among the earliest to lift coronavirus restrictions, put Fauci on a collision course with the White House.

 

"One of the things that's part of the problem is the dynamics of the divisiveness that is going on now that it becomes difficult to engage in a dialogue of honest evaluation of what's gone right and what's gone wrong," Fauci told The Atlantic in an interview.

 

"We've got to own this, reset this and say OK, let's stop this nonsense and figure out how can we get our control over this now."

 

The White House over the weekend distributed a list of statements Fauci made early in the pandemic that turned out to be wrong as understanding of the disease developed, according to media reports. Trump said this week he valued Fauci's input but did not always agree with him.

 

"You know, it is a bit bizarre. I don't really fully understand it," Fauci said in an interview with The Atlantic.

 

He said he believed the people involved in releasing that list, which was misleading because it did not include the entirety of Fauci's statements or other context, are really "taken aback by what a big mistake that was."

 

White House tensions with Fauci have risen with the decline of Trump’s popularity in opinion polls over the president’s handling of the outbreak.

 

The Republican president, who is seeking re-election in November, has been increasingly critical of government health officials and their guidance as a rise in infections threatens the easing of shutdown restrictions across the country. Across the country, new cases are now averaging around 60,000 a day.

 

The White House has denied that Fauci has been sidelined. However, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote a critical opinion piece attacking Fauci for having made mistakes.

 

Before departing for a trip to Atlanta, Trump was asked whether Navarro had gone rogue.

 

"Well he made a statement representing himself. He shouldn't be doing that. No, I have a very good relationship with Anthony," Trump said.

 

Fauci told the Atlantic: "I can't explain Peter Navarro. He's in a world by himself. So I don't even want to go there."

 

Fauci said in a Financial Times interview last week he had not briefed Trump in two months. He said on Wednesday his advice is passed onto Trump indirectly, via Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the White House coronavirus task force.

 

In his Atlantic interview, Fauci recommended the country hit a reset button and acknowledge that things are not going in the right direction. The rising numbers of coronavirus infections show "we've got to do better" and states need to get on the same page and work on ways to control the virus.

 

"So, rather than these games people are playing, let's focus on that," Fauci said.

 

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Howard Goller)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-07-16

 

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I hope his retirement benefits are secure, he may find himself without employment soon.

Once DJT has got over Mary, then it will "You are Fired" probably as DJT shows his leadership skills 

 

let's stop this nonsense and figure out how can we get our control over this now.

 

As Presidential politics heats up,  finger pointing and diverse tactics will be deployed to deflect attention away from the President...

 

Total mess...no relief in sight...will probably bring down the Trump Presidency...

 

 

Trump and the early opening states were wrong anyone but a Trump follower can see that. I think that even Trump followers can see it they just can't admit it ????

1 hour ago, webfact said:

a list of statements Fauci made early in the pandemic that turned out to be wrong

says he knew what was going on (his job), but didnt

18 minutes ago, YetAnother said:

says he knew what was going on (his job), but didnt

Everyone was dealing with something which no person knew the extent of, adjustments have been made and knowledge has been gained along the journey.

POTUS was extremely wrong on so many levels not just his "it is just the flu and will be gone soon" remark to his "blue light" moments.

Fauci has at least a knowledge of science and epidemics, he was a leader (disputed) around the HIV response where he was thwarted by another republican president as I recall 

 

A post using profane language has been removed.

 

A troll post has been removed. 

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

16 minutes ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

I trust Dr Fauci, an expert in their field, a person who is prepared to change their views based on evidence and new information, someone who has decades of experience to draw upon over blowhard narcissistic individuals any day of the week. 
 

maga

23 minutes ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

it must be challenging to be a trump supporter. trump now disagrees with you, so what now do you have to say?

 

https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/fauci-calls-white-house-efforts-to-discredit-him-bizarre-as-trump-rebukes-adviser-20200716-p55cgy.html

10 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

I trust Dr Fauci, an expert in their field, a person who is prepared to change their views based on evidence and new information, someone who has decades of experience to draw upon over blowhard narcissistic individuals any day of the week. 
 

maga

What do you call a layman when an "expert" can't seem to figure out the basics?

41 minutes ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

I’m afraid he will still be around until November; let’s hope he doesn’t get re-elected and can indeed crawl back under the rock from where he emerged from. 

9 minutes ago, DaftToPutRealName said:

What do you call a layman when an "expert" can't seem to figure out the basics?

What qualifies to judge what “the basics” are that an expert wasn’t able “to figure out the basics”? 

6 minutes ago, DaftToPutRealName said:

What do you call a layman when an "expert" can't seem to figure out the basics?

Dr Fauci is an expert in his field, no need for inverted commas. He has a much better grasp of what is happening than those currently trying to discredit him in a desperate attempt to deflect from the ongoing ineptitude exuding from the White House. 
 

I would call a layman a layman. 

41 minutes ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

Why would he need 15 minutes out of the 5 decades he has been doing this?

 

The problem with some people is that they can't handle the truth unless it has been sugar-coated and falls in line with what the 'leader' thinks, right or wrong. Fauci speaks straight with his heart on his sleeve. Kudos to the guy for doing that.

 

It can sometimes be incredibly difficult for people to think for themselves. It is a lot easier to just judge which is where these people gravitate to. Regardless of what is right or wrong. 

50 minutes ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

Americans trust Dr. Fauci more than Trump by a wide margin....

 

[TRUSTING INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS: TRUMP, FAUCI, CDC]

[Two-thirds, 67 - 30 percent, say they do not trust the information President Trump is providing about the coronavirus.]

[Conversely, nearly two-thirds, 65 - 26 percent, say they trust the information Dr. Anthony Fauci is providing about the coronavirus.]

 

https://poll.qu.edu/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=3666

 

6 minutes ago, Berkshire said:

Americans trust Dr. Fauci more than Trump by a wide margin....

 

[TRUSTING INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS: TRUMP, FAUCI, CDC]

[Two-thirds, 67 - 30 percent, say they do not trust the information President Trump is providing about the coronavirus.]

[Conversely, nearly two-thirds, 65 - 26 percent, say they trust the information Dr. Anthony Fauci is providing about the coronavirus.]

 

https://poll.qu.edu/national/release-detail?ReleaseID=3666

 

That pretty much falls in line with voting in November doesn't it?  Biden/Fauci vs Trump.  Personally I don't believe Fauci or Trump. both have lied their tails off and then flip flopped.  Another parallel they have in common is they both have excuses for why they changed their mind.  Fauci hasn't done any medical work in decades, he's just a political figurehead of the medical profession.

1 hour ago, steelepulse said:

That pretty much falls in line with voting in November doesn't it?  Biden/Fauci vs Trump.  Personally I don't believe Fauci or Trump. both have lied their tails off and then flip flopped.  Another parallel they have in common is they both have excuses for why they changed their mind.  Fauci hasn't done any medical work in decades, he's just a political figurehead of the medical profession.

Rubbish. He has given his life to infectious diseases and is acknowledged as an expert.

 

Perhaps some would prefer a non expert that just falls in line with trump.

1 minute ago, Sujo said:

Rubbish. He has given his life to infectious diseases and is acknowledged as an expert.

 

Perhaps some would prefer a non expert that just falls in line with trump.

Would you trust a plumber to do your colonoscopy? Particularly a plumber who lies a lot?

9 hours ago, YetAnother said:

says he knew what was going on (his job), but didnt

How do you think you learn something new in science ???? you utilize the information on previously learned science, and then refine it ???? it’s a new virus-it’s not the flu ????

Besides, the article said statements were taken out of context

6 minutes ago, Redline said:

How do you think you learn something new in science ???? you utilize the information on previously learned science, and then refine it ???? it’s a new virus-it’s not the flu ????

Besides, the article said statements were taken out of context

But that's not what they were told by he-who-I-will-not-name. Over 20,000 lies, verifiable by fact checking lies, yet his blind followers take it for gospel. Their poor little heads must be all befuddled with the mixed signals about mask wearing now.

 

Fauci gave the best info he could based on the science he was aware of at the time. To say anything else is just plain ignorant, mean spirited, and in line with the efforts by this administration to muddy the waters. This is Steve Bannon's game plan, and it's working.

Dr Fauci 

At least to me seems to be the only adult in the room as many have said on here he gave advice on his previous experience the fact that every country has its own experts and every country chose its own path showing different consequences.

Lets be honest when the Donald stood up and gave his 2 cures 1 swallow disinfectant or try uv light

as well as his hydro whatever the man is a genius I tell you oh no sorry not I tell you he keeps telling us how clever he is.

The female expert after he magnificently proclaimed his cures passed the baton to her saying they should test that instead of Her saying do not talk <deleted> said nothing.

Its unbelievable how the king with no clothes all the pro trumpers blame the tailor instead of the lunatic in the nude

9 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

let's stop this nonsense and figure out how can we get our control over this now.

 

As Presidential politics heats up,  finger pointing and diverse tactics will be deployed to deflect attention away from the President...

 

Total mess...no relief in sight...will probably bring down the Trump Presidency...

 

 

One can only hope

Trump loves to be at the centre of everything wants to be so involved so he can claim the credit problem is he is an idiot that even his base must wonder what he is talking about.

He should have taken a leaf out of melanias heart throb Canadian pm troudau 

at start of pandemic he gave a speech outside his home wife quarantined inside with the corona virus 3 children to look after and told his nation this is a very serious threat to the countries health so no1 priority is to stay safe.

Canada is a wealthy nation and no citizen should worry about how to pay rent or mortgage how to pay for food and the country would beat it together.

Im British and I found it very moving so if I was Canadian I would have been very proud of the response

30 minutes ago, Dave0206 said:

Trump loves to be at the centre of everything wants to be so involved so he can claim the credit problem is he is an idiot that even his base must wonder what he is talking about.

He should have taken a leaf out of melanias heart throb Canadian pm troudau 

at start of pandemic he gave a speech outside his home wife quarantined inside with the corona virus 3 children to look after and told his nation this is a very serious threat to the countries health so no1 priority is to stay safe.

Canada is a wealthy nation and no citizen should worry about how to pay rent or mortgage how to pay for food and the country would beat it together.

Im British and I found it very moving so if I was Canadian I would have been very proud of the response

Well said!

5 hours ago, skorp13 said:

Why anyone would listen to this idiot after all the mistakes this so called expert has made is beyond me. Dude you 15 minutes are up now go crawl back from the rock from which you emerged from

Trump has been trolling us for much more than 15 minutes and getting Americans killed in the 10s of thousands I think we all know who needs to be put under a rock Dr. Fauci has been a treasure and needs to have the freedom to speak the truth without the worry of hurting donalds fragile ego just ignore donald and follow safety protocols as per Dr. Fauci 

2 hours ago, Sujo said:

Rubbish. He has given his life to infectious diseases and is acknowledged as an expert.

 

Perhaps some would prefer a non expert that just falls in line with trump.

Rubbish, the guy has been involved in politics for numerous presidents spanning decades as the medical mouthpiece.  I'm sure he was great in his day when he was practicing and doing medical research, but those days are long gone.  Ask the majority of doctors who aren't involved in politics how Fauci really has been doing.

1 hour ago, steelepulse said:

Rubbish, the guy has been involved in politics for numerous presidents spanning decades as the medical mouthpiece.  I'm sure he was great in his day when he was practicing and doing medical research, but those days are long gone.  Ask the majority of doctors who aren't involved in politics how Fauci really has been doing.

Dr. Fauci

Graduated first in his class, Cornell University 1966

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 1984-present

Expert on HIV, AIDS, SARS, Swine Flu, Ebola, MERS

 

45

Cheated on his SAT's

Brother's friend admitted him to Fordham U, conceals his grades

 

"An idiot" Gen John Kelly, Reince Priebus

"A <deleted> moron" Secretary of State Tillerson

"A dope, a kindergartner," Lt. Gen McMaste

"Dumb as s**t," Econ Advisor Gary Cohn

"The dumbest student I ever had," Wharton Professor William T. Kelley

 

Can't you see the difference?

 

 

I hear what you say about Fauci do not agree and neither does Jerome Adams the USA surgeon general ( America’s doctor) young by the way.

who when interviewed often quotes Fauci by name singing from same hymn sheet.

ah well I guess both wrong 

1 minute ago, Dave0206 said:

I hear what you say about Fauci do not agree and neither does Jerome Adams the USA surgeon general ( America’s doctor) young by the way.

who when interviewed often quotes Fauci by name singing from same hymn sheet.

ah well I guess both wrong 

Jerome Adams knows if he doesn't parrot the party line, he'll be on the pavement looking for a job. And the BEST part of all this? Once these people have publicly sold their souls, their credibility is shot and they can't find a job. The only place for them is Fox, and even THEY turned away Spicer.