Anthony Fauci calls out Tucker Carlson for triggering 'crazies in society' to threaten him amid the pandemic
Dr Anthony Fauci had some harsh words for Fox News host Tucker Carlson, claiming that some of the death threats he has been receiving were because Carlson "triggers some of the crazies in society." Fauci, who has been criticized by the White House and by hosts on Fox News despite being the top US infectious-diseases White House expert, was interviewed on Instagram Live by Geoff Eders of the Washington Post on Friday, August 14.
The interview covered a wide range of topics concerning the current coronavirus pandemic, ranging from the plans around reopening schools, the best methods of hygiene and safety, and how research into this unprecedented pandemic is constantly providing new information, some of which may well contradict information that's been made publically available before. One noteworthy part of the interview deals with how Carlson's show may have led to Fauci's family receiving protective security measures for their own safety.
Eders brought up some of Carlson's criticisms of Fauci during the interview, asking Fauci if they bothered or concerned him. Fauci responded: "I'm not concerned about what he says. It's a little bit — I think you could say that when he does that, it triggers some of the crazies in society to start threatening me, actually threatening, which actually happens."
Death threats directed towards Fauci in the wake of criticisms following Fauci's advice on handling the coronavirus crisis have forced him and his family to accept personal security in order to keep safe. "I mean, who would have thought when I was in medical school doing things to save people's lives that I'd have to be going around with a security detail? That's really ridiculous."
On the flip side, Fauci does not pay too much attention to those who idolize him either. After being shown some merchandise with his face on it, and laughing about how he doesn't receive any royalties from sales of the same, Fauci said, "I actually don't pay attention to that, because that can really be distracting. I mean that sincerely."
He added, "I don't see the hero part, and I don't pay attention to the death threats and harassments either. We live in an extraordinary society where public-health issues become so politicized and divisive that when you start talking about prudent things to do to preserve public health, that's actually considered by some — hopefully a really small minority — as something worthy of threatening you. That's really bizarre."
Segments by Carlson include such controversial headlines as "Has America put too much faith in just one man?" or sarcastically calling Fauci "Lord Fauci" for the importance that has been given to him. The protective measures placed on Fauci in response to the threats against him were not Fauci's choice. "I don't have to do it, the government decided, on the basis of the threats that they were tapping in on, that I needed it. I didn't ask for it."
You can watch the video in its entirety on the Washington Post's Instagram page here.