Dr. Anthony Fauci announced Monday that he plans to step down from various government roles in December.
Fauci has made comments about leaving his posts in recent months, telling Politico in July that he planned to retire by the end of President Joe Biden’s term. The 81-year-old made the speculation official on Monday, issuing a press release noting his plans to step down from his current roles as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Biden’s Chief Medical Advisor.
“I will be leaving these positions in December of this year to pursue the next chapter of my career,” Fauci said in a press release.
Fauci noted that he is “not retiring” in December, but rather plans “to pursue the next phase of my career.” He did not provide specific plans regarding his future, but noted he will “continue to put my full effort, passion and commitment into my current responsibilities” until his departure.
“After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field. I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats,” Fauci wrote.
Biden issues a statement praising Dr. Fauci amid news of his upcoming departure: pic.twitter.com/NxtjkG1fiE
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 22, 2022
Biden praised Fauci in a statement shortly after the announcement, describing him “as a dedicated public servant, and a steady hand with wisdom and insight honed over decades at the forefront of some of our most dangerous and challenging public health crises.”
“As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next,” Biden wrote.
Fauci has served as the director of the NIAID for 38 years, beginning under former President Ronald Reagan. He advised former President Donald Trump at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to serve as an advisor for Biden.
Throughout his lengthy government career, Fauci was often criticized for decisions he made, particularly regarding the H.I.V./AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, The New York Times noted.
