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 [White House] 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.
Productive meeting of the @WhiteHouse 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. pic.twitter.com/WxsZwd8kiM
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) July 15, 2020
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.
Trump later declared he has a “very good relationship” with Fauci.
Fauci received criticism from others in the Trump administration including White House trade adviser Peter Navarro.
Navarro penned an op-ed attacking Fauci’s credibility, as IJR previously reported.
As he left the White House on Wednesday, Trump said Navarro should not have published the op-ed.
Fauci sat down with The Atlantic for an exclusive interview where he addressed claims suggesting the Trump administration is trying to dismantle his credibility.
He called the attempts “a bit bizarre” and argued it only hurts Trump in the end.
