Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), plans to retire this month after 38 years in the position.
On Sunday, November 27, Fauci went on Face the Nation to discuss Christmas celebration precautions, the backlash he has faced for his handling of the pandemic, the China lab-leak theory, and his plans following retirement.
After two Christmases of COVID-19 precautions, Fauci urged Americans to use “common sense” for the upcoming Christmas season given the “trifecta” of infectious diseases facing the nation: the flu, RSV, and COVID.
Forbes recently referred to this trifecta as a “tripledemic.”
On Face the Nation, Fauci urged everyone to receive mRNA vaccines and boosters shots, even in the face of new research, as reported by The Dallas Express. However, unlike the past two seasons, Fauci argued families should “avoid congregate settings,” not because of COVID but because of RSV, which does not have a vaccine and is dangerous to children.
Moreover, Fauci described the decision to sit near a grandchild as “a judgment call” during Christmas.
“You gotta use common sense. I mean, the idea of coming into a crowded place and you’re going home to someone who’s immune compromised, it just makes sense to put a mask on,” Fauci continued.
He quickly added, “Nobody’s mandating anything.”
Fauci also described the rhetoric surrounding lockdowns as “radioactive.”
Fauci did not confirm lockdowns following the winter season. Instead, he said, “local authorities [will] evaluate [whether to lock down] on a situation by situation basis” and may lock down if many children fall ill within a locality.
Fauci claimed Republicans, particularly Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, created that “radioactive” environment surrounding COVID precautions.
Throughout the pandemic, Sen. Paul questioned Fauci on the origins of COVID-19 and promised to spearhead an investigative committee if Republicans took control of the Senate.
Fauci described Republicans’ actions as “ridiculous” because he is “not political at all, period.”
Despite that assertion, Fauci blamed former President Donald Trump for China’s lack of transparency surrounding the origins of COVID-19.
“If you look at the anti-China approach that clearly the Trump administration had right from the very beginning, and the accusatory nature, the Chinese are going to flinch,” Fauci argued.
Fauci also denied that the Chinese were attempting to cover up the origins of COVID-19 and argued that the country merely operates secretively. He cited China’s similar handling of the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2003 despite its “proven” wet market origins.
Fauci plans to step down in late December. Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) described the timing of his retirement as a move to avoid an investigation into his handling of the pandemic once Republicans control the House of Representatives in January.
“Dr. Fauci is conveniently resigning from his position in December before House Republicans have an opportunity to hold him accountable for destroying our country over these past three years,” tweeted Biggs.
Fauci denied his retirement was to avoid investigation. Rather, the NIAID director claimed the move is to make way for the next step in his career.
Although he did not specify where he will work, Fauci said he plans to encourage people to “at least consider a career in science and public health and, importantly, in public service.”
Retiring with a net worth of $12.5 million, Fauci will receive a $350,000 annual pension.