Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), signaled he is considering stepping down from his position after holding it for nearly 40 years.
While on ABC podcast “Start Here,” Fauci was asked whether he was thinking about scaling back on his responsibilities or stepping down from his position, to which he admitted he was.
“I certainly have, because I have to do it some time. I can’t stay at this job forever, unless my staff find me slumped over at my desk one day. I’d rather not do that,” Fauci said.
Many of Fauci’s greatest critics supported his retirement suggestion, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who celebrated the news on Twitter: “Finally, something to cheer for.”
Similarly, political commentator and journalist Megyn Kelly said Fauci “got drunk on his own power” and “should have been removed long ago.”
Fauci’s hint at retirement follows a failed attempt by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., to eliminate Fauci’s position after clashing on several occasions regarding their different views surrounding Covid-19.
“The idea that a government official would claim to unilaterally represent science and that any criticism of that official would be considered a criticism of science itself, is quite dangerous,” the senator said in response to Fauci’s claim that he represents science.
As the most compensated government employee, Fauci will receive the most extensive federal retirement package in history if he decides to step down, according to Forbes.
