Fauci On Why Critics Do Not Like Him: They ‘Have Conspiracy Theories,’ ‘Deny Reality’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden, claimed on Sunday that critics do not like him because those critics “deny reality.”

Fauci made the remarks during a Fox News interview with anchor Chris Wallace, who noted that “when this pandemic started, I think it’s fair to say you were the — generally regarded as the authority on infectious disease.”

“But as time has gone on, you have become a polarizing figure. Critics accuse you of sending mixed messages,” Wallace continued. “There’s allegations that you helped fund dangerous research at the Wuhan lab.”

“Why do you think you have become so controversial?” Wallace asked. “And, honestly, do you think there’s anything you have done that has contributed to that?”

“Well, I’m not so sure I could answer the latter because I can’t think of anything, but I’m sure some people will,” Fauci responded. “But, you know, Chris, I have stood for always making science, data, and evidence be what we guide ourselves by.”

“And I think people who feel differently, who have conspiracy theories, who deny reality that’s looking them straight in the eye, those are people that don’t particularly care for me,” Fauci continued. “And that’s understandable because what I do, and I try very hard, is to be guided by the truth. And sometimes, the truth becomes inconvenient for some people, so they react against me. That just is what it is. There’s not much I can do about that, Chris.”

CHRIS WALLACE, FOX NEWS ANCHOR: And hello again from FOX News in Washington. It’s been a busy week in the continuing effort to gain more control over the COVID pandemic. An FDA advisory panel recommended booster shots of two more vaccines for millions of Americans. And they will consider whether it’s safe for people to mix and match — to get initial doses of one vaccine and then boosters of another. Meanwhile, the battle over vaccine mandates, whether government agencies and private businesses can order workers to get shots, continues to escalate. And there are growing signs some essential workers may stay off of the job rather than comply with mandates. We want to discuss all of this, plus get the latest on the spread of the virus, with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House chief medical advisor. Doctor, welcome back to “FOX News Sunday.”

DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, WHITE HOUSE CHIEF

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