In what was expected to be Dr. Anthony Fauci’s last briefing as the White House’s chief medical adviser, officials praised his tenure.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Dr. Fauci has always led with the science, and our country is stronger and healthier because of his leadership.”
Jean-Pierre praises Fauci: "Fauci has always led with the science, and our country is stronger and healthier because of his leadership." pic.twitter.com/EB2rTqGMKE
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) November 22, 2022
Meanwhile, White House Covid Response Coordinator Ashish Jha called the infectious disease expert “the most important, consequential public servant in the United States in the last half century.”
WH Covid Response Coordinator Ashish Jha says Dr. Fauci "has been the most important, consequential public servant in the United States in the last half century." pic.twitter.com/t9WxMkDqdd
— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) November 22, 2022
“My message, maybe the final message I give you from the podium, is please for your own safety, for that of your family, get your updated COVID-19 shot as soon as you’re eligible,” Fauci implored.
FAUCI: "My message and my final message, maybe the final message I give you from this podium, is…get your updated COVID-19 shot." pic.twitter.com/ZZrveQvPnG
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 22, 2022
In August, Fauci revealed his plans to retire after serving for decades as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
When asked about investigations Republicans have teased about the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci said, “If there are oversight hearings, I absolutely will cooperate fully and testify if asked.”
“I have no trouble testifying. We can defend and explain and stand by everything that we’ve said. So I have nothing to hide,” he added.
Karine Jean-Pierre tries and fails to stop a reporter from asking Dr. Fauci about testifying before Congress with a new Republican Majority:
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 22, 2022
"I can answer his question…I have nothing to hide!" pic.twitter.com/xvVZOq5JcM
The press briefing did feature a somewhat contentious moment when a reporter tried to ask about the origins of Covid.
As Jean-Pierre tried to move on to another reporter, Today Africa News’ Simon Ateba interjected to argue the question should be addressed.
“It is not your turn. It is not your turn!” the press secretary responded.
Chaos ensues as Karine Jean-Pierre REFUSES to call on a reporter asking about the origins of COVID. pic.twitter.com/qYVGz6PIZc
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 22, 2022
When Ateba continued to press for an answer, Jean-Pierre shot back, “I hear the question… but we’re not doing this the way you want.”
“I’m done. Simon, I’m done. Simon, I’m done. I’m done with you right now,” she added.