Dr. Anthony Fauci, the highest paid federal employee and chief medical officer and advisor to the president, has indicated he will retire by the end 2024.
This is not the first time the embattled face of COVID-19 shutdowns, guidance and mandates has indicated he may retire. In May, Fauci told CNN’s Jim Acosta he would resign if Trump were reelected.
According to a report by MSN, when Fauci retires, he will receive the largest federal retirement package in American history.
Fauci’s more than 50 years of service will qualify him for what MSN termed “an annual retirement package of more than $350,000.”
A report in Forbes noted that Fauci’s retirement package would be eligible for annual cost-of-living adjustments,” according to auditors working with Open The Books.
Fauci telegraphed his intent to retire in an interview with Politico, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic would outlast his professional career in medicine.
Seemingly unable to “follow the science,” in an interview with ABC News last week, Fauci continued to stress the importance of wearing masks.
“Just because people are not wearing masks is not a reason for you not to wear a mask,” he said. “You can still protect yourself very well with a properly fitted, adequate mask,” Fauci said.
Amid admissions the CDC promoted false information, and in fact the vaccines are not effective in stopping infection, and accusations that Fauci personally profited from the pandemic, the chief medical officer indicated he will retire by the end of Biden’s term.
Fauci, 81, has served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984. The reputation of NIAID is reportedly in shambles following multiple issues related to the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding to the pressure to retire, Fauci has been challenged by fellow physician, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who publically disputed Fauci’s claims, research and motives.
It is widely reported that Fauci will be a target of an investigation should the GOP gain control of Congress after the midterms.
The high probability of a “red wave” in November likely led to Fauci’s decision to retire. In his interview with Politico, he said:
“They’re going to try and come after me, anyway. I mean, probably less so if I’m not in the job. I don’t make that a consideration in my career decision.”
Fauci added: “I don’t think they can say anything about the science. If that’s what you want to investigate, be my guest. My telling somebody that it’s important to follow fundamental good public health practices – what are you going to investigate about that?”
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