The highest-paid employee in the federal government is set to retire after decades of service.
On Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced he will be retiring in December.
Fauci, who became one of the most public faces of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has led NIAID since 1984 and has served under seven presidents.
His recommendations and advice on how to address the coronavirus drew the ire of many conservatives since 2020.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said, “Dr. Fauci has served under seven Republican and Democratic Presidents during his career, beginning with Ronald Reagan. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 under President George W. Bush.”
“For almost four decades, he has served as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, helping our country navigate health crises ranging from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19. Because of Dr. Fauci’s many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved,” he continued.
NEW: Dr. Anthony Fauci will leave his government post at the end of the year
— Christian Datoc (@TocRadio) August 22, 2022
Statement from @potus pic.twitter.com/9b19MvPkRu
Finally, Biden added, “As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next. Whether you’ve met him personally or not, he has touched all Americans’ lives with his work. I extend my deepest thanks for his public service. The United States of America is stronger, more resilient, and healthier because of him.”
Newsy reported that Fauci is the highest paid official in the government and received a salary of $440,000 a year. He is set to receive a pension of $380,000 per year, per the report.