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 News’ Tucker Carlson.
During an interview with The Washington Post’s Geoff Edgers, Fauci was asked about Carlson’s criticism. Sarcastically feigning bewilderment, Fauci said, “He’s the guy that really loves me, right?”
One of Carlson’s 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 “buffoon.”
See Carlson’s remarks below:
Tucker Carlson lights into Dr. Fauci, "the most political man in the most political city in America":
— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) August 15, 2020
"Now it's clear Fauci is just another oily politician on an ego trip, just like the rest of them … What a buffoon! … Tony Fauci is enjoying the hell out of himself." pic.twitter.com/8lIGDxcxEm
“Does it bother you?” Edgers asked Fauci. “On a humane level, do you feel threatened or concerned when you see that kind of thing floating out there?”
Fauci admitted that while he is not concerned about Carlson’s comments, he does think his rhetoric inspires “some of the crazies” who are threatening him over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
“I’m not concerned about what he says,” Fauci said. “It’s a little bit — 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.”
He continued, “I mean, who would have [guessed] when I was in medical school doing things to save people’s lives, I’d have to be going around with a security detail? That’s really ridiculous.”
See Fauci’s interview below (starting at 15:00):
The top infectious disease expert’s 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, “He’s trashing me on TV, fine. If he wants to do that, let him do it. I’m not going to get distracted by that.”