"The psychopath profited off the carnage": Netizens divided after Fauci urges Americans to get Covid shot

Fauci at his final press event at the White House (image via Twitter/ @PressSec)
Fauci at his final press event at the White House (image via Twitter/ @PressSec)

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. medical advisor to the president and the face of the American COVID-19 response, urged people to get their booster shots ahead of his retirement in December.

Fauci will be stepping down from his post as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden. The physician-scientist held the former position for 38 years.

On Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Fauci addressed people from the White House "one last time." He urged everyone to get the latest booster shots for better immunity to the newer COVID-19 variants, BA.4 and BA.5. He said that for their safety, everyone who is eligible needs to get the updated Covid-19 shot to "protect yourself, your family, and your community."

Internet users were divided over the statement. One person said that the physician didn't just "get away with funding the virus, the psychopath profited off the carnage."


Internet users divided over Dr. Fauci's booster shot announcement and retirement news

Internet users immediately took to social media to express their opinions on the top medical advisor's retirement. Many thanked him for his service, especially during the pandemic, and even called him an "American hero," while others pointed out his scholarly accomplishments.

Meanwhile, some commented on the apparent botched COVID response that led to the deaths of more than a million Americans. They asked for him to be indicted or sent to prison.

Here are some of the responses seen on Twitter:

People had mixed reactions to the physician's statement about getting the Covid-19 vaccination (Image via Twitter/thejackhopkins)
People had mixed reactions to the physician's statement about getting the Covid-19 vaccination (Image via Twitter/thejackhopkins)

Who is Anthony Fauci?

The 81-year-old is an American physician-scientist and immunologist who has served in the public healthcare sector for more than five decades. He has also acted as an advisor to every US president since Ronald Regan. Dr. Anthony has made significant contributions to the fight against HIV and AIDS, Ebola, and other similar health crises.

He became a household name due to his handling of the Covid-19 emergency. The advisor also often outright stated that the American people would have to change their behavior in light of the pandemic. While his blunt assessment led to him being hailed as a hero, several others, especially the right wing, saw him as a villain.

Speaking about the seriousness of the disease and the need to take preventative measures, he stated that he didn't want to see anyone hospitalized or dying due to Covid-19. He added that it didn't matter to him if the person was a "far-right Republican or a far-left Democrat."

During the briefing, he was joined by Dr. Ashish Jha, and they spoke in favor of physicians as a more credible source of information than "some random dude on Twitter."

White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, said that Dr. Fauci always "led with the science" and added that the US was "stronger and healthier" due to his leadership.

Fauci also explained that he "will absolutely cooperate fully." in any congressional oversight hearings raised against him.

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