Five years after the COVID-19 lockdowns were implemented, a mural at the National Institutes of Health, which featured Dr. Anthony Fauci, a figure many associate with the pandemic, along with one of his well-known quotes, has been removed.
The mural, which displayed the message that “science is telling us that we can do phenomenal things if we put our minds and our resources to it,” was cut from a larger piece shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. According to three NIH staffers, who provided photos of the mural’s removal, the mural was taken down in the early weeks of Trump’s presidency.
Now, only an empty space on the wall remains in memory of Dr. Fauci, who wrapped up his 50-year career at the NIH in December 2022.
The NIH did not offer any clarification on why the mural was removed or provide answers to inquiries regarding its removal. However, this action aligns with the Trump administration’s broader approach toward Fauci, who had long been an expert in infectious diseases.
On March 16, 2020, five years ago, President Trump, during his first term, launched the “slow the spread” initiative, a two-week set of guidelines designed to slow the spread of the virus. Trump, along with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which Fauci led, advocated for the measures, primarily focusing on social distancing, as an effective way to combat the virus.
However, in the years that followed, Trump and his advisers have blamed Fauci for the shutdowns, school closures, and vaccine mandates that were based on the advice he provided.
Elon Musk, the tech mogul heading efforts to improve government efficiency under Trump, referred to Fauci as a “freaking demon” in November. Musk also claimed Fauci had funded virus research in China, which he argued triggered the pandemic, a claim that Fauci and his colleagues have strongly refuted.
One of Joe Biden’s final actions as president was to grant Fauci a preemptive pardon, shielding him from any potential prosecution under the Trump administration.
At the same time, Musk’s DOGE initiative has drawn attention to the NIH, particularly as research funding has decreased, raising concerns among current and former officials at the agency.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., voiced strong criticism of the situation during a rally outside the NIH, calling it a “profound threat to scientific progress in America.” He further stated, “This is the jewel of the scientific establishment… and Elon Musk and DOGE have brought their slash-and-burn tactics right to its doorstep.”
The White House, however, stands by its actions regarding the NIH, asserting that the changes in funding are aimed at directing resources toward scientific research rather than administrative expenses.
“Americans are no longer interested in blind faith adherence to demonstrably fallible ‘experts’ like Anthony Fauci,” said spokesperson Kush Desai. “The Trump administration will continue to restore transparency, accountability, and confidence in our healthcare apparatus to Make America Healthy Again while being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.”
Raskin also condemned the administration for attempting to suppress Fauci’s legacy, especially after DOGE decided to cancel an exhibit that was meant to celebrate the doctor’s long career.
Several NIH staff members revealed that the exhibit was nearly complete and that canceling it wouldn’t have saved much money.
Additionally, the NIH rescinded an invitation for Fauci to return to the institution where he spent much of his career as part of the NIH Grand Rounds series, a move that Fauci discussed with The Post.
Raskin described the situation as “the kind of treatment that scientists get in totalitarian societies like Stalinist Russia if they don’t toe the political line of the leaders.”
Initially, Fauci was a symbol of hope during the early days of the pandemic, but as time passed, he became a divisive political figure. Republicans began calling for investigations into his actions, and some even sought to prosecute him.
Meanwhile, many Americans, frustrated by the ongoing school closures and vaccine mandates, started to blame Fauci, despite his acknowledgment of the mistakes made as new information emerged.
Megan Ranney, the dean of Yale University’s public health school, reflected on Fauci’s career, noting that he had faced similar criticism from HIV activists in the 1980s, only to later gain their support for his efforts. “Did he make mistakes during COVID? Absolutely — everyone did,” Ranney said. “We can and should engage in real inquiry about what went well and what didn’t … erasing someone is not a productive solution.”
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