Press release | The Bureau of the Académie des Sciences supports Anthony Fauci

Anthony Fauci, advisor to U.S. presidents throughout the administrations from R. Reagan to J. Biden, and his family, has received recurrent death threats because of the stance he took on behalf of public health during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, he has benefited from ongoing protection, necessary for his safety and that of his family. As soon as he took office, the new President of the United States saw fit to withdraw this protection, exposing him to grave danger. D. Trump added "that Anthony Fauci had the means to finance this protection" and "that he disclaimed any responsibility for what might happen".

We denounce this irresponsible and dangerous decision in the strongest possible terms. It gives credence to the actions of people inspired by the worst conspiracy theories in opposition to the facts of science. Throughout his career, Anthony Fauci has never ceased to make scientific data accessible to political decision-makers for the benefit of public health: from the AIDS epidemic, to anthrax bioterrorism, to the Covid-19 pandemic. Anthony Fauci, now 84, is an internationally renowned physician and researcher in infectious and immunological diseases, whose integrity cannot be called into question by anyone. In the face of adversity, Anthony Fauci has maintained a courageous and dignified attitude that commands admiration. We wish to express our full solidarity and sympathy. The attitude of President Trump and his administration is likely to considerably weaken the contribution of scientific experts to political decision-making in the future.