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:
REPORTER: You've joked a couple times about the difference between the Trump and Biden administrations. Do you feel… https://t.co/6otl32a6yo— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1611264316.0
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."
"One of the new things in this administration is if you don't know the answer, don't guess," Dr. Anthony Fauci says… https://t.co/jO4P6Yro7M— ABC News (@ABC News) 1611263894.0
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."
The lack of candor and facts “likely did” cost lives last year, Dr. Fauci says. “There’s no secret. We’ve had a lo… https://t.co/MtEuoCWOav— New Day (@New Day) 1611315930.0
In other interviews, Dr. Fauci stated confidently the Trump administration's avoidance of hard truths lead to unnecessary deaths.
Berman: "Did the lack of candor, did the lack of facts in some cases over the last year, cost lives?" Fauci: "You… https://t.co/qgemrQM5tY— Brian Stelter (@Brian Stelter) 1611315090.0
The federal government should collaborate with states on resources and plans for pandemic response while respecting… https://t.co/nqczBqIRpS— New Day (@New Day) 1611316656.0
Many people online noticed Fauci's change in mood and felt the same way.
We are all Anthony Fauci today.— George Conway (@George Conway) 1611329468.0
Press Secretary: And now Dr. Fauci would like to present some more COVID data and stats Dr. Fauci: https://t.co/DPw4int8eR— Wee-Yum (@Wee-Yum) 1611333631.0
Dr. Fauci is a WHOLE MOOD in this new Biden administration. https://t.co/m2yApmgqoi— Lisa of House Pfizer (@Lisa of House Pfizer) 1611325187.0
The contrast between Fauci's past and present appearances was stark.
#fridaymorning Dr. Fauci realizing he never has to worry about a president encouraging Lysol as a Covid treatment… https://t.co/wXN0l3hlqD— Rex Zane 🏴☠️ (@Rex Zane 🏴☠️) 1611320388.0
Twitter was quick to turn cheerful Fauci into a celebratory meme.
Dr Fauci: #Science @therecount How it started How it’s going https://t.co/8DENYlFs2H— Laurel Coons 🧬🧬🧬 (@Laurel Coons 🧬🧬🧬) 1611325198.0
Get you a man who looks at you like Anthony Fauci looks at getting to talk freely about science. https://t.co/YNn0JNYven— Kris Kanthak (@Kris Kanthak) 1611316572.0
It seems Fauci has had the last laugh.
#NewProfilePic Happy Fauci is the best Fauci ❤ https://t.co/wrfKaqEUvR— Blatina Momma, Esq. (@Blatina Momma, Esq.) 1611329179.0
@therecount https://t.co/f8dfgz0a6n— Craig (@Craig) 1611272611.0
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.