Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Anthony Fauci

Public opinion and media debates around Anthony Fauci—discover key moments of controversy.

Anthony Stephen Fauci is a prominent American physician-scientist and immunologist. He directed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022 and served as chief medical advisor to the president from 2021 to 2022. He is renowned as one of the most cited scientists globally (1983-2002). Fauci received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for his significant contributions, notably his work on the AIDS relief program, PEPFAR. His career has been dedicated to researching and combating infectious diseases, making him a key figure in public health.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1983: Paper on AIDS

In 1983, Anthony Fauci suggested "routine close contact, as within a family household," might spread A.I.D.S., but he corrected it within a year.

October 1988: Protests at NIAID

In October 1988, protesters came to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Anthony Fauci bore the brunt of the anger from the LGBTQ+ community.

January 1, 2014: Biden Pardons Fauci

On January 19, 2025, President Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci for any federal offenses he may have committed between January 1, 2014, and the day of the pardon, raising concerns about presidential clemency powers.

February 29, 2020: Interview Statement

On February 29, 2020, Anthony Fauci stated in an interview that "at this moment, there is no need to change anything that you're doing on a day-by-day basis."

March 8, 2020: Statement on Masks

On March 8, 2020, Anthony Fauci stated that people who are not infected should not be walking around with masks in the United States, citing concerns about shortages for healthcare providers.

June 2020: Release of Fauci's Emails

In early June 2021, over 3,000 internal government emails sent by Fauci from January to June 2020 were obtained by media outlets through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, providing insight into the early COVID-19 response.

July 9, 2020: Trump's Opinion on Fauci

On July 9, 2020, President Trump publicly opined that Anthony Fauci "is a nice man, but he's made a lot of mistakes."

July 12, 2020: White House Concerns

On July 12, 2020, a White House official told media outlets that "several White House officials are concerned about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things", passing to the media a list of purported mistakes made by Anthony Fauci during the outbreak.

September 23, 2020: Fauci Defends COVID-19 Mitigation Recommendations

On September 23, 2020, during a Senate hearing, Dr. Fauci defended the CDC's COVID-19 mitigation recommendations, including social distancing and mask-wearing, against Senator Rand Paul's questioning, citing that the recommendations remained valid.

October 2020: Fauci objects to Trump campaign ad

In October 2020, Fauci objected to the Trump campaign using his words in an advertisement, stating that his words were taken out of context and he had never made a political endorsement. He clarified that he was referring to how hard the Coronavirus Task Force was working.

October 18, 2020: Fauci Comments on Trump's COVID-19 Diagnosis

On October 18, 2020, Dr. Fauci mentioned that he "wasn't surprised" that Donald Trump contracted COVID-19. This occurred amidst ongoing discussions about the administration's handling of the pandemic.

November 2, 2020: Trump hints at firing Fauci

On November 2, 2020, during a rally, President Trump insinuated he would fire Fauci after the election, amidst chants from the audience to "Fire Fauci!", while falsely claiming the pandemic was "rounding the turn".

2020: Criticism and Death Threats

In 2020, Anthony Fauci was criticized by right-wing pundits and received death threats, necessitating a security detail; his family members were also harassed.

January 3, 2021: Fauci Responds to Trump's Claim of Exaggerated COVID-19 Deaths

On January 3, 2021, Dr. Fauci refuted President Trump's claim that COVID-19 deaths were exaggerated, affirming the reality of over 300,000 deaths in the US and highlighting the severity witnessed in hospitals.

January 23, 2021: Fauci Discusses Challenges During Trump Administration

On January 23, 2021, Fauci stated that during the Trump administration, "letting the science speak" caused him "trouble" and "push-back", and that he was blocked from appearing on The Rachel Maddow Show.

May 2021: Fauci Denies NIH Support for Gain-of-Function Research

In May 2021, Dr. Fauci denied that the National Institutes of Health supported "gain-of-function research" at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, amidst ongoing scrutiny of the virus's origins.

May 2021: Fauci on COVID-19 origin and summer camp guidance

In early May 2021, Fauci described the CDC's summer camp guidance as "conservative" and "a bit strict". Also in early May, Fauci said that he is "not convinced" that COVID-19 originated naturally and that "we should continue to investigate what went on in China".

June 2021: Release of Fauci's Emails

November 2021: Release of "The Real Anthony Fauci" Book

In November 2021, Skyhorse released a book by anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. titled The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health. In response, Fauci described the author as "a very disturbed individual".

2021: Fauci comments on Capitol attack

In 2021, Fauci stated the United States Capitol attack was a potential COVID-19 superspreader event due to the lack of adherence to public health measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.

January 19, 2025: Biden Pardons Fauci

February 7, 2025: Contract for Fauci Museum Exhibit Terminated

On February 7, 2025, the United States Department of Health and Human Services terminated a $168,000 contract for a Fauci museum exhibit at the National Institutes of Health.