Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
For Dr. Fauci, Relief and Liberation Now That Biden's At The Helm
The Hill: Fauci Says It's 'Liberating' Working Under Biden
Anthony Fauci on Thursday said it has been “liberating” to work as the nation's top infectious diseases doctor under President Biden after his experience working for former President Trump. Speaking at the White House press briefing, Fauci was asked if he feels "less constrained" in the new administration after clashing with Trump and eventually being sidelined last year. (Easley, 1/21)
Politico: ‘Nobody Is Telling You What To Say’: Fauci Regains The Spotlight Under Biden
Anthony Fauci isn’t hiding his relief that he’s serving in a new administration. One day into the Biden presidency, the longtime infectious disease expert and unlikely celebrity of the Covid-19 response described it as “a refreshing experience.” Fauci, who has served under seven presidents as head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was a frequent target of public criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused him and other career scientists at public health agencies of overstating the seriousness of the worsening pandemic and hampering efforts to address it. (Owermohle, 1/21)
The New York Times: Banished By Trump But Brought Back By Biden, Fauci Aims To ‘Let The Science Speak’
Most of the times Dr. Anthony S. Fauci made an appearance in the White House briefing room in 2020 — before eventually being banished from public view for his grim assessments of the coronavirus pandemic — he had President Donald J. Trump glowering over his shoulder. On Thursday, Dr. Fauci, the nation’s foremost infectious disease specialist, was back, this time with no one telling him what to say. And he made no effort to hide how he felt about it. (Shear, 1/21)
The Washington Post: Fauci, Unchained
Given Fauci’s stated commitment to honesty, a reporter asked whether there was anything he’d like to “amend or clarify” from his tenure working for Trump. “No,” Fauci replied. “I mean, I always said everything on the basis [of science] — that’s where I got in trouble sometimes.” (Bump, 1/21)
The Wall Street Journal: Anthony Fauci Reprises Familiar Role In Covid-19 Response Efforts
Apart from his highly visible role on the Coronavirus Task Force during the Trump administration, a role that made him perhaps America’s most famous doctor, Mr. Fauci was running NIAID behind the scenes. In the past year, he and other leaders of NIAID have overseen work that led to the development of the Moderna Inc. Covid-19 vaccine, as well as the clinical trial that led to approval of the drug remdesivir. (Burton, 1/21)
In other news —
Bloomberg: Fauci Says He Had Brief Side Effects From Second Covid-19 Vaccine Dose
Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert, said he suffered mild side effects after receiving a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. “I was hoping that I wouldn’t get too knocked out. I did for about 24 hours. Now I’m fine,” he said at a White House event Thursday. Fauci, an adviser to President Joe Biden on Covid-19, said he felt fatigued and achy, “not sick.” (Jacobs and Tozzi, 1/21)
AP: Coronavirus Guidelines Now The Rule At White House
Testing wristbands are in. Mask-wearing is mandatory. Desks are socially distanced. The clearest sign that there’s a new boss at the White House is the deference being paid to coronavirus public health guidelines. ... Officials in close contact with Biden wear wristbands to signify they have been tested that day. Every event with the president is carefully choreographed to maintain distancing, with strips of paper taped to the carpet to show the likes of Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Anthony Fauci where to stand when Biden is delivering an address. ... Plexiglass barriers have been set up at some desks that are in open areas, but nearly all staff who are already working in the building have enclosed offices. (Jaffe and Miller, 1/22)
