Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator, is receiving some criticism following reports she traveled the day after Thanksgiving.
The Associated Press reports that Birx traveled to a property on Fenwick Island in Delaware the day after Thanksgiving — seemingly contradicting her messaging to Americans to “be vigilant” over the holidays as the U.S. continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic. She also previously suggested people limit their in-person gatherings to their immediate household.
As the AP reports, “She was accompanied by three generations of her family from two households. Birx, her husband Paige Reffe, a daughter, son-in-law and two young grandchildren were present.”
Birx sought to defend herself, telling the AP that her travel to the home in Delaware was for the purpose of winterizing it for a potential sale rather than celebrate Thanksgiving.
“I did not go to Delaware for the purpose of celebrating Thanksgiving,” Birx said. She also noted that they did share a meal together.
She added that those who were there are part of her “immediate household,” though she did confirm that they live in two different homes, according to AP.
However, the reports of Birx’s traveling drew criticism from some.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) is one of the many who took to social media to express their disapproval with Birx following the reports.
He wrote on Twitter, “Deborah Birx has helped lead the charge to restrict American freedom this year. There are no excuses for her failing to follow her own hysterical recommendations to the letter of the law.”
“As I’ve been saying for months, she needs to go – immediately,” he added.
Deborah Birx has helped lead the charge to restrict American freedom this year. There are no excuses for her failing to follow her own hysterical recommendations to the letter of the law.
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 21, 2020
As I’ve been saying for months, she needs to go – immediately. https://t.co/76qc6LBRX5
It is astonishing to me that Dr. Birx thinks a multi-generational Thanksgiving gathering is okay for her—even after publicly urging Americans not to do this—because the trip wasn’t primarily for Thanksgiving. This is a reckless betrayal of public trust.https://t.co/SqJxsbMuJQ
— Dr. Angela Rasmussen (@angie_rasmussen) December 20, 2020
A few weeks ago, I voiced support for Dr Birx, whose military and public health career prior to 03/2020 was a guidepost for my own
— Dr. Vin Gupta (@VinGuptaMD) December 20, 2020
She clearly isn’t who I thought she was
There’s no greater injury to public trust than saying one thing at a podium and doing another privately https://t.co/teWCSsP9yF
A virologist at the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, Dr. Angela Rasmussen, also said, “To me this disqualifies her from any future government health position. It’s a terrible message for someone in public health to be sending to the American people.”
