Biden’s Praise for Fauci Sparks Outrage and Divides Critics

President Joe Biden sparked widespread criticism on Sunday when he lauded Dr. Anthony Fauci as a “true hero” during a World AIDS Day event at the White House. The comments, delivered on the South Lawn, prompted applause from the audience but unleashed a torrent of backlash from conservatives and public health critics who remain sharply divided over Fauci’s legacy.

“A special thanks to one of the great public health officials. A true hero who had led this fight against HIV/AIDS: Dr. Anthony Fauci,” Biden said, before saluting Fauci and adding, “And you’re a good man. God love you. As my mother would say, God love you, Anthony.”

Biden’s remarks were met with derision by many, with critics highlighting Fauci’s controversial track record during the AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The backlash from conservatives and health experts was swift and severe:

• Conservative activist Robby Starbuck pointed to Fauci’s mishandling of the AIDS crisis, noting, “If you’ve done even a little digging into Fauci’s role in the AIDS crisis, then you know he’s absolutely hated by the people who lost loved ones due to his mismanagement of the crisis. He had protestors outside his offices during the crisis too.”

• Molecular biologist Richard Ebright accused Fauci of violating federal policies and being potentially culpable for the COVID pandemic. “Fauci provably violated federal policies on gain-of-function and enhanced potential pandemic pathogen research, provably committed conspiracy to defraud and perjury, and probably is culpable for a pandemic that killed 20+ million and cost $25+ trillion,” Ebright posted on X.

• Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton declared, “Fauci should be under criminal investigation.”

Despite the growing criticism, Fauci continues to enjoy strong support among Democrats and left-leaning influencers. Harry Sisson, a prominent Democrat figure, praised Biden’s remarks, calling Fauci “an American hero” whose contributions to medicine have “changed the world for the better.”

Fauci, who led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for decades, has long been a divisive figure. While he was instrumental in shaping the U.S. response to numerous health crises, including HIV/AIDS, SARS, and COVID-19, his methods and policies have drawn sharp scrutiny.

During the AIDS epidemic, critics accused Fauci of slow responses and questionable allocation of resources, prompting protests outside his offices.

More recently, his role in the COVID-19 pandemic including his endorsement of strict lockdowns and mask mandates has fueled accusations of overreach and misinformation.

Fauci’s polarizing legacy extends to his interactions with former President Donald Trump, whom he advised during the early days of the pandemic. Fauci’s relationship with Trump soured over time, and he later endorsed Biden as the leader more fit to handle public health crises a statement that has aged poorly given Biden’s ongoing struggles with public trust and leadership credibility.

Biden’s glowing praise for Fauci underscores the administration’s disconnect from a significant portion of the American public. Fauci remains a lightning rod for criticism, and the president’s salute to him as a "true hero" is unlikely to mend the growing divide.

As the 2024 presidential election nears, Biden’s continued praise for controversial figures like Fauci could further alienate voters already disillusioned by his handling of national issues. Meanwhile, conservatives are rallying behind Donald Trump, whose America First policies emphasize accountability and transparency in government leadership.

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