Anthony Fauci reveals retirement plans: ‘It might be sooner than most people think’
In an interview with The Independent, Dr Fauci said he would almost certainly end his career by the 2024 election
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dr Anthony Fauci, 81, will hang up his lab coat for the last time someday.
He's just not sure when.
In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Dr Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), discussed whether or not he has considered any plans for retirement.
"You know, to be honest with you, I certainly will some time, and I don't think it's going to be a very long time from now," he said.
Dr Fauci has helmed the NIAID for 37 years, and in 2020 became something of a surrogate for liberals frustrated by former President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. During press conferences Dr Fauci appeared visibly uncomfortable and embarrassed by the former president's words, and would even contradict Mr Trump during his cable news appearances.
Even that slight defiance to Mr Trump made him a target of right-wing critics, with former Trump aide Steve Bannon once calling for the doctor's head to be placed on a pike outside the White House as a message to other would-be rabble-rousers.
With the Trump years and the worst of the coronavirus pandemic behind him, it would seem like an opportune time for the doctor to step away and enjoy retirement. But Dr Fauci says he hasn't really had time to consider any of that.
"I haven't really focused on exactly what that would be because we're sort of in the middle of a public health crisis," he said.
According to Dr Fauci, he'll consider retirement once Covid-19 is under "better control," which could be soon, or months or even years from now.
"I'm not trying to be evasive," he said. "It might be sooner than most people think, or it might be later than most people think."
However, during an appearance on Fox News last week, Dr Fauci did claim he would likely retire before the 2024 election.
Fox News host Neil Cavuto asked Dr Fauci if he would continue to serve if Mr Trump runs and is elected to a second term in office. Mr Trump famously once told a crowd of supporters chanting "fire Fauci" to "let me wait a little bit after the election."
The doctor said he would not get involved in any politics and did not see himself in the position post-2024.
“By the way, by the time that happens, I think I won’t be around, no matter who the president is,” he told Mr Cavuto.
The Independent is the official publishing partner of Pride in London 2022 and a proud sponsor of NYC Pride.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments