Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official who became the face of America's COVID-19 pandemic response under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, announced on Monday he is stepping down in December after 54 years of public service.
Fauci, whose efforts to fight the pandemic were applauded by many public health experts even as he was vilified by Trump and many Republicans, will leave his posts as chief medical adviser to Biden and director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Fauci, 81, has headed NIAID since 1984.
The veteran immunologist has served as an adviser to seven U.S. presidents beginning with Republican Ronald Reagan, focusing on newly emerging and re-emerging infectious disease dangers including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, Zika, monkeypox and COVID-19.
Fauci endured criticism from Trump and various conservatives and even death threats against him and his family from people who objected to safeguards such as vaccination, social distancing and masking that he advocated to try to limit the lethality of the COVID-19 pandemic. After defeating Trump in the 2020 election, Biden made Fauci his chief medical adviser.
"I definitely feel it was worth staying as long as I have. It is unfortunate, but it is a fact of life that we are living in a very, very divisive society right now," Fauci told Reuters on Monday.
Fauci said he never considered resigning due to the threats against him.
"I don't like the idea that I have to have armed federal agents with me. That's not a happy feeling. It's reality. And you've got to deal with reality," Fauci said.
Republican lawmakers including fierce critic Rand Paul, with whom Fauci tangled during Senate hearings, vowed on Monday to investigate him if they gain control of either the House of Representatives or Senate in November's congressional elections.
"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," Biden said in a statement. "The United States of America is stronger, more resilient and healthier because of him."
Fauci signaled his impending departure last month, telling Reuters he would retire by the end of Biden's first term, which runs to January 2025, and possibly earlier.
The United States leads the world in recorded COVID-19 deaths with more than one million. In the first months of the pandemic in 2020, Fauci helped lead scientific efforts to develop and test COVID-19 vaccines in record time and took part in regular televised White House briefings alongside Trump.
Fauci became a popular and trusted figure among many Americans as the United States faced lockdowns and rising numbers of COVID-19 deaths, even inspiring the sale of cookies and bobblehead dolls featuring his likeness.
However, Fauci drew the ire of Trump and many Republicans for cautioning against reopening the U.S. economy too quickly and risking increased infections and for opposing the use of unproven treatments such as the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine.
'A DISASTER'
Democrats accused Trump of presiding over a disjointed response to the pandemic and of disregarding advice from public health experts including Fauci. Trump in October 2020, weeks before his re-election loss, called Fauci "a disaster" and complained that Americans were tired of hearing about the pandemic. Trump even made fun of Fauci's off-target ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals baseball game.
Fauci sometimes publicly contradicted Trump's statements about the pandemic. Fauci said on Monday that while he respects the office of the presidency, he felt he had to speak out "when things were said that were outright untrue and quite misleading."
"I didn't take any great pleasure in that," Fauci said.
Paul frequently attacked Fauci during Senate hearings on the pandemic. Read full story
Fauci has accused Paul of spreading misinformation. Paul on his website has accused Fauci of "lying about everything from masks to the contagiousness of the virus." Fauci during one hearing noted that Paul placed fundraising appeals on his website next to a call to have him fired.
Fauci said staying on until December allows for a search for a new director of NIAID, an institute with an annual budget exceeding $6 billion, and the appointment of an acting chief. Fauci also said he wanted to remain to help address an expected autumn upswing in COVID-19 infections.
Fauci made clear that while he will be leaving government service, he will not be retiring. He said in the future he hopes to use his expertise to help inspire a new generation of doctors to pursue careers in public health, medicine and science.
Reuters
Tue Aug 23 2022
![Fauci, face of US COVID response, to step down from government posts Fauci, face of US COVID response, to step down from government posts](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-08/41661222308_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
Fauci signaled his impending departure last month, telling Reuters he would retire by the end of Biden's first term, which runs to January 2025, and possibly earlier. - REUTERS
![Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71719920529_TBhajiji.jpg)
Semua penaja pendidikan Sabah digabungkan dalam portal PTPS - Hajiji
Sabah melakar sejarah apabila menggabungkan semua penaja utama dalam pendidikan di negeri itu di bawah satu platform dikenali Portal Tajaan Pendidikan Sabah (PTPS).
![Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024 Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-04/71713405340_telegramjpg.jpg)
Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram naik sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei dan Jun 2024
Aktiviti jenayah siber di Telegram meningkat sebanyak 53 peratus pada Mei hingga Jun 2024 berbanding tempoh sama tahun lepas, menurut data Perisikan Jejak Digital Kaspersky.
![Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-05/61716284352_AmirudinShari.jpg)
Peningkatan sumbangan KDNK Selangor bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan terhadap kepimpinan kerajaan - Amirudin
Kejayaan Selangor dalam menerajui sumbangan KDNK negara sebanyak 25.9 peratus, bukti keyakinan komuniti perniagaan serta rakyat terhadap pentadbiran negeri yang selari dengan kerajaan Persekutuan.
![Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81719917654_TBGiatMara.jpg)
Pusat Kecemerlangan Industri GiatMARA lahir pelatih mahir teknologi motosikal
Pusat itu bakal menyediakan pelatih yang berkemahiran tinggi dalam teknologi motosikal berkuasa tinggi bagi memenuhi keperluan industri.
![PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41719919203_TBSelasiah.jpg)
PRK Sungai Bakap: Bagaikan sambut raya, Tok Siah teruja mahu pakai kebaya keluar mengundi
Dia suka mendengar perkataan 'turun mengundi' kerana itulah masa terbaik untuk dirinya bersiap ibarat mahu menyambut Hari Raya.
![Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81719919577_TBAbRaufYusoh.jpg)
Melaka sasar 400 syarikat pengeksport berdaftar dengan MATRADE
Kerajaan negeri menyasarkan 400 syarikat pengeksport di Melaka berdaftar dengan MATRADE bagi meningkatkan produktiviti dan keuntungan syarikat berkenaan.
![Majikan, pekerja perlu ambil langkah keselamatan hadapi perubahan cuaca Majikan, pekerja perlu ambil langkah keselamatan hadapi perubahan cuaca](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-05/71716281553_ManivananGowin.jpg)
Majikan, pekerja perlu ambil langkah keselamatan hadapi perubahan cuaca
Ia bagi mengurangkan risiko yang boleh menyebabkan kemalangan dan penyakit di tempat kerja.
![Yang perlu anda tahu mengenai pilihan raya UK Yang perlu anda tahu mengenai pilihan raya UK](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-05/71716397986_TBRISHIUK.jpg)
Yang perlu anda tahu mengenai pilihan raya UK
Tumpuan antarabangsa kali ini kepada pilihan raya umum United Kingdom (UK) yang dijadualkan esok (4 Julai).
Panas sangat! Capybara pun makan ais
Kerana cuaca terlalu panas, bukan sahaja manusia menerima kesannya, malah haiwan juga terasa bahang. Di Rusia, Capybaras yang tinggal di sebuah zoo di Moscow diberi makanan istimewa iaitu ais.
Moscow sangkal kenyataan Trump
Duta Besar Rusia ke Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB), Vassily Nebenzia menyangkal kenyataan calon presiden Amerika Syarikat, Donald Trump yang berkata konflik perang antara Rusia dan Ukraine akan mampu diselesaikannya sekiranya dipilih ke jawatan itu kelak.
![Anthony Fauci bersara Disember ini Anthony Fauci bersara Disember ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-08/41661224855_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
Anthony Fauci bersara Disember ini
Fauci akan bersara selepas lima dekad berkhidmat dalam perkhidmatan awam Amerika Syarikat.
![Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-03/61648036783_TBBERITAx.jpg)
Berita antarabangsa pilihan sepanjang hari ini
Antara pelbagai berita luar negara yang disiarkan di Astro AWANI, berikut adalah antara yang paling menjadi tumpuan sepanjang hari ini.
![Dr Anthony Fauci disahkan positif COVID-19 Dr Anthony Fauci disahkan positif COVID-19](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-08/71628207343_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
Dr Anthony Fauci disahkan positif COVID-19
Dr Anthony Fauci, wajah di sebalik usaha kerajaan Amerika Syarikat untuk menangani pandemik COVID-19, akhirnya kecundang selepas disahkan positif COVID-19.
![COVID-19: Wabak koronavirus masih belum berakhir - Fauci COVID-19: Wabak koronavirus masih belum berakhir - Fauci](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-12/71638745750_AnthonyFaucim.jpg)
COVID-19: Wabak koronavirus masih belum berakhir - Fauci
Sekiranya virus terus mereplikasi di merata dunia, sentiasa ada ancaman varian baharu yang akan muncul.
![COVID-19: AS terus gesa rakyat ambil dos penggalak COVID-19: AS terus gesa rakyat ambil dos penggalak](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-08/71628207343_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
COVID-19: AS terus gesa rakyat ambil dos penggalak
Ketika ini dos penggalak adalah pertahanan terbaik terhadap peningkatan kes varian Omicron.
![COVID-19: Rakyat AS digesa ambil dos penggalak kekang penularan Omicron COVID-19: Rakyat AS digesa ambil dos penggalak kekang penularan Omicron](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-08/71628207343_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
COVID-19: Rakyat AS digesa ambil dos penggalak kekang penularan Omicron
Dr Anthony Fauci berkata ketika ini dos penggalak adalah pertahanan terbaik dalam menangani peningkatan kes varian Omicron.
![COVID-19: Dos penggalak berkesan terhadap varian baharu COVID-19: Dos penggalak berkesan terhadap varian baharu](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-02/61612216850_AnthonyFauci.jpg)
COVID-19: Dos penggalak berkesan terhadap varian baharu
Data menunjukkan dos penggalak meningkatkan dengan ketara tahap antibodi terhadap varian-varian baharu virus itu.
![COVID-19: AS sahkan kesan kes pertama varian Omicron COVID-19: AS sahkan kesan kes pertama varian Omicron](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-08/71628207343_DrAnthonyFauci.jpg)
COVID-19: AS sahkan kesan kes pertama varian Omicron
Kes berkenaan ditemukan pada pesakit yang telah lengkap vaksin serta mengunjungi Afrika Selatan pada 22 November lalu.
![COVID-19: AS tiada kes jangkitan melibatkan varian Omicron COVID-19: AS tiada kes jangkitan melibatkan varian Omicron](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-12/81638316725_RochelleWalensky.jpg)
COVID-19: AS tiada kes jangkitan melibatkan varian Omicron
Varian Delta kekal mendominasi jangkitan COVID-19 di negara itu.
![Mansuh mandat vaksinasi: Fauci kesal keputusan Gabenor Texas Mansuh mandat vaksinasi: Fauci kesal keputusan Gabenor Texas](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2021-02/61612216850_AnthonyFauci.jpg)
Mansuh mandat vaksinasi: Fauci kesal keputusan Gabenor Texas
Keputusan tersebut akan melumpuhkan sistem kesihatan awam memandangkan vaksinasi adalah perkara utama ketika ini.