While contention between the nation’s top infectious disease doctor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and President Donald Trump is no surprise, Trump made a claim Sunday that may be a cause for concern.
What We Know:
- Speaking at a campaign rally in Opa-locka, Florida, Trump expressed frustration that the surging cases of the virus that has killed more than 230,000 Americans so far this year remains prominent in the news, sparking chants of “Fire Fauci” from his supporters.
“Don’t tell anybody but let me wait until a little bit after the election,” Trump replied to thousands of supporters just after midnight Monday, adding he appreciated their “advice.”
- The packed crowd then began a “Fire Fauci” chant, referring to the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Trump’s comments less than 48 hours before polls close across the country assert that his handling of the pandemic will remain front and center heading into Election Day. The United States set a new single-day record for COVID-19 cases on Saturday with nearly 100,000 new people testing positive. A number of states are seeing records for new cases, deaths and hospitalizations as experts warn things will get worse.
- Donald Trump lacks the power to directly fire Dr. Fauci, but he could order political appointees to do so. In October, Trump signed an executive order in meant to strip job security from senior civil servants like Fauci. It’s unclear what impact the order could have on Fauci’s future.
Fauci has become outspoken against Trump and his administration, citing that he has ignored his advice for containing the virus. In another interview, he also said that he hasn’t spoken with Trump in over a month. Fauci has raised alarm that the nation was headed for a challenging winter if more isn’t done soon to slow the spread of the disease.
