President Joe Biden praised Anthony Fauci after it was announced the infamous director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases would be stepping down in December, saying Fauci’s “commitment to the work is unwavering” and is performed “with an unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity.”
Fauci announced Monday morning that he’ll be stepping down from the NIAID in December after spending more than 50 years working for the government.
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“When it came time to build a team to lead our COVID-19 response — in fact, in one of my first calls as President-elect — I immediately asked Dr. Fauci to extend his service as my Chief Medical Advisor to deal with the COVID-19 crisis our nation faced,” Biden said in a statement. “In that role, I’ve been able to call him at any hour of the day for his advice as we’ve tackled this once-in-a-generation pandemic. His commitment to the work is unwavering, and he does it with an unparalleled spirit, energy, and scientific integrity.”
Fauci became a household name during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and eventually became a sharply polarizing figure, revered by some for his leadership and advice during lockdowns and hated by others who feel he is self-promoting, unaccountable, and even liable for helping start the pandemic.
The doctor will also step down from his position as Biden’s chief medical adviser at the end of this year.
While both men have spent a lifetime in Washington, Biden said he first worked closely with Fauci during the Zika and Ebola outbreaks. Biden said he grew to know Fauci as a dedicated public servant and a steady hand with wisdom and insight.
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Fauci served under seven presidents during his career, beginning with Ronald Reagan, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom under former President George W. Bush.
“Because of Dr. Fauci’s many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved,” Biden said. “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.”
