POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

Can President Trump fire Dr. Fauci? Not really

Nov 3, 2020, 4:52 PM | Updated: 4:53 pm

Fauci mask mandate...

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci wears a face mask as he waits to testify before a House Committee on Energy and Commerce on the Trump administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via AP)

(Kevin Dietsch/Pool via AP)

SALT LAKE CITY — At a campaign rally for President Donald Trump Sunday in South Florida, the crowd chanted: “Fire Fauci! Fire Fauci!”

“Don’t tell anybody, but let me wait until a little bit after the election,” Mr. Trump told his supporters. “I appreciate the advice. He’s a nice man, though. He’s been wrong on a lot.”

Fire Fauci? Hard to do

Because Anthony Fauci, 79, is a career civil servant, and not a political appointee, he is protected by law from political retaliation. But the president can remove him from the White House coronavirus task force.

Fauci has advised six presidents on HIV/AIDS and other domestic and global health issues.

Last month, Fauci was named Federal Employee of the Year during the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies), highlighting the work of employees making important contributions to the US government.

“Tony is without peer in the world of global health as an authoritative, experienced and candid figure,” said former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, who was the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush, who awarded Fauci the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

As director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) since 1984, Fauci is protected by federal civil-service regulations, which shield him from termination or demotion for political reasons.

Mr. Trump could pressure Fauci’s boss, Dr. Francis Collins, or Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to fire the doctor.

Protections for civil servants

The civil-service protections require a government agency to show evidence that there is a just cause for being fired, including failure to follow orders or misconduct.

“I’ve got a better idea. Elect me and I’m going to hire Dr. Fauci! And we’re going to fire Donald Trump!” former Vice President Joe Biden said Monday during a campaign rally in Cleveland. 

Speaking at a rally Monday in Atlanta on behalf of Biden, former President Barack Obama ripped Mr. Trump’s suggestion of ousting Fauci, who is “the one person who can actually help them [Trump administration] contain” the coronavirus pandemic.

“One of the few people in this administration who’s been taking this seriously all along — and what’d he say? His second-term plan is to fire that guy,” Mr. Obama said.

In an interview Friday with The Washington Post, Fauci said he hasn’t spoken with Mr. Trump since he called him from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during his COVID-19 treatment. While there, the president tweeted this:

 

The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 231,263 Americans.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Politics + Government

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Mark Jones

KSL at Night: Coalition seeks hold on Utah’s age verification law

The Free Speech Coalition is taking legal action against Utah's age verification law. KSL at Night discuss the situation with the sponsor of the bill, Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross.

2 days ago

The book of mormon & bible banned in some Davis School District schools...

Aimee Cobabe

Following complaint against Bible in schools, Book of Mormon receives complaint for “sensitive content”

First it was the Bible and now Davis School District has a complaint against the Book of Mormon being on school bookshelves.

2 days ago

Utah's Republican Party is strongly urging state leaders to hold a special election before the end ...

Lindsay Aerts

Utah GOP wants quick special election for 2nd District seat

Multiple laws govern Utah elections, and one of them says the state must pay more for special elections that deviate from established dates.

2 days ago

Chris Stewart resignation...

Boyd Matheson

A congressional resignation, hurry sickness and the need for respectful restraint

Rep. Chris Stewart announced his resignation from Congress on Wednesday, prompting the mad rush to replace him began. We need to slow down.

2 days ago

When news broke of a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, one year ago, President Joe...

Kevin Liptak, CNN

Biden to address nation from Oval Office after avoiding catastrophic default

In his remarks, Biden will tell Americans the package ensures economic progress going forward.

2 days ago

Former Vice President Mike Pence talks with local residents during a meet and greet, Tuesday, May 2...

Jeremy Herb and Katelyn Polantz, CNN

Justice Department will not seek criminal charges in Pence classified document probe

 The Justice Department has closed its investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents found at the home of former Vice President Mike Pence.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Can President Trump fire Dr. Fauci? Not really