(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Dr. Anthony Fauci, the embattled figure in the nation’s fight against COVID-19, is once again in the spotlight as he doubles down on mask mandates, despite acknowledging evidence questioning their effectiveness.
Fauci’s Saturday remarks on Smerconish, while expressing concerns over public compliance, have left many questioning his consistency and credibility.
“I am concerned that people will not abide by recommendations,” Fauci told CNN host Michael Smerconish in an interview. This statement comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are surging. Fauci’s alarmist tone did little to instill confidence in the public, especially given his ever-changing guidance throughout the pandemic.
Fauci emphasized that these recommendations were not mandates, particularly for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. However, his wavering stance on masks has raised eyebrows.
Smerconish pressed Fauci with a reference to a recent comprehensive study by Oxford epidemiologist Tom Jefferson. The study concluded that there was “just no evidence that masks make any difference” in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
In response, Fauci admitted the facts found in the report. “When you’re talking about the effect on the epidemic or the pandemic as a whole, the data are less strong,” he continued.
Fauci’s inability to provide a clear response to these findings added to the growing skepticism surrounding his guidance.
Critics, such as popular podcast host Tucker Carlson, have been vocal in their disapproval of Fauci’s handling of the pandemic. Carlson remarked, “I have no respect for them at all,” referring to Washington’s decision-makers, with Fauci taking a prominent place on his list. Carlson dismissed Fauci’s qualifications and questioned his ability to provide sound advice.
Tucker Carlson says he has no respect for politicians in Washington, says they are all “stupid” and uses Dr. Fauci as proof.
Millions of Americans agree 🔥
“We always talk about Washington… We don't think they're smart. Both of us think they're stupid, and we don't think that… pic.twitter.com/XnTpWPINxU
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 30, 2023
Most recently, Fauci’s former boss, President Donald Trump issued a fiery response to the left’s efforts to unleash mask mandates.
“The left-wing lunatics are trying very hard to bring back COVID lockdowns and mandates with all of their sudden fearmongering about the new variants that are coming,” Trump said in the minute-long video posted on his presidential Twitter page.
“They want to restart the COVID hysteria so they can justify more lockdowns, more censorship, more illegal drop boxes, more mail-in ballots and trillions of dollars in payoffs to their political allies heading into the 2024 election—does that sound familiar?” Trump further questioned.
COVID Tyrants want to take away our Freedom.
Hear my words— WE WILL NOT COMPLY. pic.twitter.com/Kql1YaxuO0
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) August 30, 2023
