Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the most visible figures on the White House coronavirus task force, has been given a security detail after receiving threats, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to The Hill.
Fauci did not directly answer when asked by The Hill at Wednesday’s press briefing if he’d been given additional protection, deferring the question to the Department of Health and Human Services inspector general.
A second person familiar with the situation said the additional security was under discussion last month and was likely implemented in recent days.
He has gained a reputation as a truth-teller for his blunt talk and willingness to correct Trump. He has offered clarity on vaccine timelines and potential treatments where the president has at times been overly optimistic.
But that style has led to intense criticism and backlash among corners of the conservative internet and some of Trump’s supporters. Fauci went viral last month when he put his hand over his face when the president referred to the State Department as the “deep State Department.”
Right-wing outlets have posited that Fauci may be trying to undermine the president. Conservative provocateurs such as Bill Mitchell and Tom Fitton have been among those tweeting criticism of Fauci.