The country’s top infectious diseases expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has often broken away with Donald Trump when it comes to the information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The relationship between the two appears to have soured even more as Trump suggested he will dismiss Dr. Fauci after the elections.
Trump is laser-focused on his reelection campaign, and at a rally in Florida a mere 24 hours before the elections, crowds began to chant for Dr. Fauci’s dismissal from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Trump allowed the chants to go on for a few more seconds before saying that he will think about it.
“Don’t tell anybody but let me wait until a little bit after the election. I appreciate the advice, I appreciate it,” said Trump. “Nah, he’s been wrong on a lot. He’s a nice man, though. He’s been wrong on a lot.”
Fauci, who has served under six presidents and is considered one of the top experts in the world, already issued a dire warning to the US as the pandemic rages on. As of today, over 230,000 Americans have died from COVID-19, while millions are infected. In the interview with the Washington Post during the weekend, Fauci warned that the US may see 100,000 cases of COVID-19 per day over the winter season.
Trump has already moved past the guidelines set by the CDC, continuously holding campaign rallies without any social distancing. The crowds of supporters were also seen without face masks.
As election day nears, Trump appears to be preparing for a victory against his Democratic rival Joe Biden. Trump is preparing to hold an election night party in the White House with hundreds of guests expected to attend. The executive residence has already been surrounded by anon-scalable fences, and 250 members of the National Guard have also been placed on standby should there be unrest following the results of the elections.
White House officials have also revealed that attendees will be tested for COVID-19 prior to entering the White House for the indoor event. Biden will be spending election night in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, said the Biden campaign.