Pence Calls Fauci a ‘Valued’ Member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force

Vice President Mike Pence is expressing his appreciation for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert and member of the White House coronavirus task force, after reports of the White House attempting to discredit him.

When asked by reporters about the alleged criticism of Fauci coming from the administration, Pence recognized Fauci as an integral part of the solution to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Dr. Tony Fauci is a valued member of the White House coronavirus task force. We just completed our latest meeting today,” Pence said during a campaign press call.

He added, “And we couldn’t be more grateful for his steady counsel as we continue to meet this moment with a whole of government approach, a whole of America approach.”

Pence also tweeted a photo of Wednesday’s coronavirus task force meeting showing Pence and others listening to Fauci speak.

“Productive meeting of the Coronavirus Task Force today. As we continue to put the health and well-being of the American people first, we are working closely with states to move forward, safely reopening our Nation and get Americans back to work,” Pence said.

President Donald Trump has been critical of Fauci in the past.

During a Fox News phone interview Thursday evening, Trump said Fauci is a “nice man but he’s made a lot of mistakes,” as IJR previously reported