White House Bars Fauci From Testifying: 'Counterproductive'

House Appropriations Committee wanted COVID expert to speak on administration's virus response
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted May 2, 2020 6:00 AM CDT
White House Bars Fauci From Testifying: 'Counterproductive'
In this April 7, 2020, file photo, Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks about the coronavirus in Washington.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

The House Appropriations Committee had Dr. Anthony Fauci on its list of people to speak on the Trump administration's response to the coronavirus—but it looks at the moment like that appearance won't be happening. "We have been informed by an administration official that the White House has blocked Dr. Fauci from testifying," a committee spokesman said in a Friday statement, per CNN. White House spokesman Judd Deere confirms that Fauci, who has often advocated for a more cautious approach to opening up the US than President Trump, is being held back. "While the Trump Administration continues its whole-of-government response to COVID-19, including safely opening up America again and expediting vaccine development, it is counterproductive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at Congressional hearings," Deere said in a statement.

"We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time," the statement adds. A senior administration official pushes back on the framing of it all as "blocking" Fauci. "It's not muzzling ... it's simply trying to ensure we're able to balance the need for oversight ... with their responsibilities to handle COVID-19 work," the official tells the Washington Post. The AP notes, however, that although the White House is barring Fauci from testifying before the Democrat-led House, he will be testifying in mid-May before a health committee of the Senate, which is led by Republicans. Former CDC chief Thomas Frieden will appear in Fauci's stead before the House panel, with the Post noting additional witnesses may also be called. (More Anthony Fauci stories.)

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