The campaign against Fauci and what brought him back before Congress
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-29 17:52:00 — www.pbs.org
After President Trump retook office, his administration launched a sweeping campaign against Dr. Anthony Fauci, according to reporting by Katherine Wu of The Atlantic. One of Trump’s first actions in his second term was to strip Fauci of his federally sponsored security detail—a protection Fauci had maintained for nearly five years due to ongoing, credible death threats against him and his family. This move was widely seen as a targeted response, given the continued threats faced by Fauci.
The campaign extended beyond personal security. Trump’s officials tore down a mural featuring Fauci’s face, fired several of his closest colleagues at the National Institutes of Health, and even ousted his wife, who did not work in Fauci’s department. These actions were described as “petty” by Wu and interpreted by many former colleagues as an effort to erase Fauci’s legacy, with the administration seeking to “dismantle, destroy, or obliterate” anything associated with him.
This pattern of personal attacks and institutional purges highlights the extent to which Trump’s administration targeted Fauci following their public disagreements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions taken against Fauci and his associates mark a stark escalation in the politicization of public health leadership, raising concerns about the long-term impact on scientific integrity and government service.
In summary, President Trump’s second-term actions against Dr. Fauci were not limited to policy disagreements but included direct, punitive measures aimed at undermining Fauci’s safety, reputation, and professional legacy. This campaign underscores the deep divisions and personal animosity that have come to define the relationship between Trump and one of America’s most prominent public health officials.