Some Republicans are critical of recommendations from Fauci and other public health leaders that led to the economic shutdown.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., a Trump ally, said the president’s frustration is easy to understand. “Could he have put it more eloquently? Probably. But I do understand his frustration,” he said. He noted that “the scientists have a great deal of influence over a lot of things, but they don’t have total influence over the entire economy and how to run it.”
Fauci has served since 1984 as the director of the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases. He has advised six presidents.
“It’s really unfortunate,” Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, told reporters. “Dr. Fauci is an esteemed professional who has served our country extraordinarily well. And I think the American people have a great deal of confidence and faith in him.”
