
Dr. Anthony Fauci, once the face of America’s pandemic response, now finds himself stripped of his taxpayer-funded security detail by former President Donald Trump.
At a Glance
- Trump revoked Fauci’s federally-provided security detail, citing temporary nature of such arrangements
- Fauci had received protection due to threats during the pandemic
- Trump suggested Fauci could afford private security given his financial means
- Former President Biden had preemptively pardoned Fauci before leaving office
- Critics argue the ongoing security detail’s cost was unjustified
Trump Pulls the Plug on Fauci’s Federal Protection
In a move that’s stirring up a whirlwind of controversy, former President Donald Trump has decided to yank the taxpayer-funded security blanket from under Dr. Anthony Fauci’s feet. The National Institutes of Health had been footing the bill for Fauci’s protection since the pandemic turned him into a household name – and a target for threats. But according to Trump, it’s time for the doctor to pay his own way.
Trump, never one to mince words, laid it out plain and simple during a hurricane response briefing in Asheville, NC. “I think when you work for government, at some point your security detail comes off, and you know, you can’t have them forever,” he declared, seemingly unbothered by the potential consequences of his decision.
Fauci’s Fortune: A Silver Lining?
But don’t shed too many tears for Dr. Fauci just yet. Trump, in his infinite wisdom, has a solution for the good doctor’s security woes. “They can hire their own security too. … I can give them some good numbers of very good security people,” Trump helpfully suggested. And just in case anyone was worried about Fauci’s ability to foot the bill, Trump was quick to remind us all that “Fauci made a lot of money. They all did.”
It’s worth noting that Fauci’s security detail wasn’t exactly small potatoes. The man was rolling with federal marshals and a private security contractor – not quite Secret Service level, but nothing to sneeze at either. And some folks, like Senator Rand Paul, have been champing at the bit to see this protection revoked.
“Today I sent supporting information to end the 24 hr a day limo and security detail for Fauci. I wish him nothing but peace but he needs to pay for his own limos,” Paul wrote on X.” – Sen. Rand Paul … Source
Biden’s Preemptive Pardon: A Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card?
But here’s where things get really interesting. Before handing over the keys to the White House, former President Joe Biden decided to throw Fauci a lifeline in the form of a preemptive pardon. Biden’s reasoning? Well, according to him, even when people do the right thing, just being investigated can wreck lives.
Trump, predictably, wasn’t thrilled with Biden’s pardon party, which also included members of the January 6th Committee. He labeled them all “political thugs.”
So, here we are. Fauci’s out a security detail but has a shiny new pardon in his back pocket.