Birx pointed to an interview she did with CNN last year, saying she got a “whole lot of pushback” for warning about the coronavirus’ spread to rural areas.

“That was a very difficult time because everybody in the White House was upset with that interview and the clarity that I brought about the epidemic,” Birx said. She added that Trump called her about it afterwards, and when asked to elaborate on that, she said. “I think you’ve heard other conversations that people have posted with the president. I would say it was even more direct than what people have heard. It was very uncomfortable, very direct and very difficult to hear.”

“Were you threatened?” Gupta asked.

“I would say it was a very uncomfortable situation,” she answered.