After President Joe Biden chose the nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, to head his pandemic response team, Fauci reappeared at the White House for a press briefing after many months away.
Looking noticeably happier than he did while appearing for the Trump administration, Dr. Fauci described how different it felt to be working for a President who prioritized science.
You can see video here:
Asked about the difference between the two administration's approach to the virus, Fauci replied:
"I take no pleasure at all in being in a situation of contradicting the President ... The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know, what the evidence, what the science is, and know that's it - let the science speak - it is somewhat of a liberating feeling."
Fauci also added:
"One of the new things in this administration is if you don't have the answer, don't guess. Just say you don't know the answer."
In other interviews, Dr. Fauci stated confidently the Trump administration's avoidance of hard truths lead to unnecessary deaths.
Many people online noticed Fauci's change in mood and felt the same way.
The contrast between Fauci's past and present appearances was stark.
Twitter was quick to turn cheerful Fauci into a celebratory meme.
It seems Fauci has had the last laugh.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, hopefully, has a bright future ahead of him working for an administration that takes his analyses a little more seriously than the last one.
@lpeterp/Bluesky
@FPWellman/X
@bobsbeatgmail.com5/Threads