Fauci claims that he had declined down $8 MILLION-Income employment; Biden’s retirement salary is $400,000 per year. COVID consultant argues he is not motivated by money, and now warns he may not appear before Congress if he is subjected to “character assassination.”
Fauci revealed last month that he would quit the administration in December to “pursue the next phase of his career.”
Over the course of 50 years, he counseled a series of presidents, including President Trump at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Republicans were already preparing to probe him should they get control of Congress. Legislators in both houses said they would not be swayed by his choice to leave Fauci in a dispute with Sen. Rand Paul and other Republicans about the virus’s origins.
Republicans and Fauci have battled about masks, travel orders, lockdowns, school closures, and the pandemic’s origins.
GOP pounced and pledged to rehire Fauci despite his retirement.
In a recent interview, he said, “I have nothing to hide.”
But he will not “play ball” if he believes the investigations amount to “character assassination.”
Previously, he said that he would take part in “legitimate” supervision.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, an expert on infectious diseases, modified his terminology over whether he would testify before Congress after his upcoming retirement, stating that he won’t ‘play ball’ if hearings seem meant to attack his character.
Fauci, 81, made the new remarks weeks after announcing his retirement, a choice that led Republicans to state that they still want to call him back for more hearing appearances after he departs government service.
If requested to testify, I will do so. I have nothing to conceal,’ Fauci said in an interview with Science.
I am capable of explaining and defending all of my actions. ‘However, if it becomes evident that this is not an honest mistake but a character assassination, I may not participate,’ he stated.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said that he may not engage in oversight if it is not conducted “in good faith.”
This phrase had a deeper implication that he would not show up, and it followed harsh public remarks made by Republicans in response to his announcement of retirement.
Neil Cavuto, a broadcaster for Fox News, asked Fauci at the end of last month whether he was retiring to escape Republican probes should they win control of the House.
Not even close. Not even a small bit, said Fauci.
I have nothing to hide and can justify every action I’ve taken, therefore I have absolutely no fear of this. This was not even a secondary thought,’ he continued.
When questioned, he also highlighted character assassination and expressed his willingness to participate in “legal” supervision.
“I think that oversight is an essential part of the government process, but some of the actions that have taken place have been nothing short of character assassination. That is not an error. Therefore, if they want genuine, dignified supervision, I would be delighted to comply,’ he said.
Close to home: Fauci said, “However, if it becomes apparent that this is not an honest mistake, but a character assassination, I may not participate.” On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, in Seattle, he threw out the first pitch before to a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) has battled with Fauci during hearings, and he has pledged to re-interrogate him on the Wuhan lab leak scenario.
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), a member of the House Oversight Committee, tweeted that Fauci is “conveniently departing in December before House Republicans can hold him responsible for ruining our nation.”
The departure of Dr. Fauci will not impede an exhaustive examination into the causes of the epidemic. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) tweeted, pointing to the Wuhan lab leak idea he has questioned Dr. Fauci about in past hearings, “He will be called to testify under oath about any talks he engaged in related the lab leak.”
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Arizona), a member of the House Oversight Committee, tweeted that Fauci is “conveniently departing in December before House Republicans can hold him responsible for damaging our nation over the previous three years.” This person is a coward,’ he continued.
“Make no mistake, my colleagues and I will hold Dr. Fauci responsible regardless of whether he continues to hold public office,” he continued.
Fauci also reacted to the veteran Science journalist who questioned if his departure was precipitated by threats to himself or his family or congressional assaults.
It was none of the aforementioned… As the Trump administration was coming to a close, I considered having at least a few years where I am still eager, energized, and passionate about doing something outside of government. The president then calls me immediately after being elected and says, “Tony, one of the first things I’ll do is ask you to be my main medical advisor.” I said affirmatively, fully anticipating that by the end of the first year of the Biden administration, COVID would be a thing of the past.
According to him, he had a lengthy discussion with his wife on what to do. So I asked myself, ‘I’ll be 82 years old in December; what else do I have to offer?’
Despite the knives, slings, and arrows, I have gained a degree of hero status among certain individuals. So let me utilize it to motivate others. So I asked, when can I begin? I determined over the spring and summer that the ideal time to do it is when the condition is in a very stable stage, so I could transition out of here,’ he said.
Fauci provided no hint that he was cashing out, although he does not exclude out large jobs.
“If I were driven by money, I would have accepted the 100 positions I’ve been offered that pay 20 times my current income,” he stated.
As for his future intentions, he said, “I have no idea.” It may be connecting with a university that is willing to hire me as a senior professor. It may be supported by a foundation. I can assure you of one thing I will not do. I will not remain at home with a Gmail address.