Coronavirus: Markey Introduces Bill To Protect Fauci, Researchers

Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey has introduced legislation protecting Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the figureheads of the federal government's coronavirus response, and other research leaders from being fired for political reasons.

The law currently gives the president carte blanche to fire directors of centers that are part of the National Institutes of Health. Markey's bill would limit the president's power, allowing termination only in the event of "malfeasance, neglect of office, or incapacity – not for having differing views on policy or expressing positions that are politically independent."

"Dr. Fauci has become the most trusted voice of the science community in responding to this pandemic. He is not afraid to speak truth to power," Markey said in part. "But Donald Trump has an allergy to both – science and the truth. Our response to the coronavirus crisis must be based on science, on data, and on the truth. We cannot allow Donald Trump to silence Dr. Fauci or any other government scientists."

Fauci has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984, serving under six presidents. He and President Trump have occasionally butt heads over the federal response to the public health crisis, culminating in the president retweeting a call to "#FireFauci" Sunday.

Despite his Twitter activity, Trump said at a press conference Monday he has no plans to fire Fauci, calling him a "wonderful guy."

"That's someone's opinion," Trump said about the tweet. "All that is is an opinion."