Dr. Anthony Fauci, a renowned infectious disease expert, was not present during Monday’s coronavirus briefing at the White House, and people are asking.
His absence was noticed and turned into a #WhereIsFauci hashtag on Twitter when the conference began.
The interest in Dr. Fauci's attendance at the coronavirus briefing received attention because of his interview with Science magazine. He revealed that he and President Donald Trump have different views on several issues.
Fauci is perceived as a sensible voice for the public as the coronavirus pandemic spreads throughout the country.
"Even though we disagree on some things, he listens. He goes his own way. He has his own style," Fauci said in the Science magazine interview.
However, Trump explained during the Monday briefing that Fauci attended a task force meeting.
One of the differences that emerged between Trump and Fauci was about the potential treatments for COVID-19. Trump seemed to be building up the possibilities, while Fauci did not keep expectations high using direct, plain English.
Moreover, Fauci does not completely agree with Trump's repeated references to the disease as the "Chinese virus." Fauci reiterated he has not ever used that term and never will.
During the conference, Trump said he had just been with Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.
“He’s a good man. I like Dr. Fauci,” Trump said. “He’s not here because we weren’t discussing” issues that he is best at addressing, the president said.
Asked if Fauci agreed with Trump on the need to keep some of the travel and social distancing restrictions loose as a way to support the economy, Trump said: "He does not agree."
