US Epidemic Authority Fauci Plans to Retire at End of Biden's Term

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a leading authority on infectious diseases in the United States, announced that he plans to retire at the end of President Joe Biden's term.

On the 18th (local time), Fauci appeared on CNN and stated, "I have long expressed my intention to step down before President Biden's term ends in January 2025," adding, "It is highly likely that I will retire as we approach the end of President Biden's first term." However, Fauci noted that the retirement process has not yet begun.

Fauci, who is also President Biden's chief medical advisor, is well known for leading the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Trump administration, he has served as a member of the White House COVID-19 response team, advising the president on countermeasures and overseeing the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

During former President Donald Trump's administration, Fauci clashed with Trump over COVID-19 response strategies. Supporters of Trump criticized Fauci's pandemic prescriptions, and Trump even hinted at considering firing Fauci. Additionally, Fauci and his family received death threats, leading to the deployment of security personnel.

Meanwhile, Fauci has served as NIAID director for 38 years since 1984, advising seven presidents from Ronald Reagan onward. He is recognized for leading responses to various infectious disease crises that swept the U.S. and the world, including the AIDS crisis, Ebola virus, Zika virus, and anthrax scares.

He also expressed a desire to explore other professional opportunities after retirement. Fauci said, "Although I am somewhat advanced in age, I want to try other professional endeavors. I have the energy and passion to continue pursuing other aspects of my career, and I will do so someday."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.