Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), weighed in on the criticism he has been subjected to by Fox Newsā Tucker Carlson.
During an interview with The Washington Postās Geoff Edgers, Fauci was asked about Carlsonās criticism. Sarcastically feigning bewilderment, Fauci said, āHeās the guy that really loves me, right?ā
One of Carlsonās notable rants about Fauci centered on the photo captured in the stands at the Washington Nationals season opener.
Fauci was seen with his mask down and Carlson wasted no time lambasting the infectious disease expert as he described him as a ābuffoon.ā
See Carlsonās remarks below:
āDoes it bother you?ā Edgers asked Fauci. āOn a humane level, do you feel threatened or concerned when you see that kind of thing floating out there?ā
Fauci admitted that while he is not concerned about Carlsonās comments, he does think his rhetoric inspires āsome of the craziesā who are threatening him over his handling of the Coronavirus Outbreak.
āIām not concerned about what he says,ā Fauci said. āItās a little bit ā I think you could say that when he does that, it triggers some of the crazies in society to start threatening me, actually threatening, which actually happens.ā
He continued, āI mean, who would have when I was in medical school doing things to save peopleās lives, Iād have to be going around with a security detail? Thatās really ridiculous.ā
See Fauciās interview below (starting at 15:00):
The top infectious disease expertās latest remarks come amid threats and harassment his family has been subjected to due to his pandemic response which focuses on prioritizing science and public health.
Although Fauci has faced stark criticism for his scientific stance on the coronavirus, he has made it clear it will not distract him from his work.
Fauci added, āHeās trashing me on TV, fine. If he wants to do that, let him do it. Iām not going to get distracted by that.ā