Dr. Anthony Fauci, despite retiring from government service last year, is still receiving taxpayer-funded security, according to a report by Fox News on Monday.
This revelation comes after Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) raised questions about Fauci's employment status and the benefits he is receiving.
In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Senator Paul requested information regarding Fauci's retirement plans and whether he is still receiving taxpayer-funded benefits. Paul expressed concerns about Fauci's current employment status and whether he is entitled to benefits associated with active public service, such as legal counsel and protective services.
Fox News host Jesse Watters, citing sources, reported that Fauci is still receiving round-the-clock government-provided security, despite being a private citizen. Watters' information was corroborated by documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which confirmed that Attorney General Merrick Garland had requested taxpayer-funded security for Fauci. The security detail includes a limousine and a follow car, and it is expected to last until September 2023, with the possibility of an extension.
The cost of this security detail to American taxpayers remains unclear.
Senator Paul appeared on Watters' show to confirm the development. He explained that he had initially asked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about Fauci's employment status and whether he had a security detail. The HHS responded that they had not been funding it since January. However, a FOIA request filed by Fox News revealed that while the HHS was not directly funding the security, the U.S. Marshals were.
Paul expressed his frustration with the government's response, stating, "It's a terrible example of the government lying to its representatives and to the people." He also questioned why a retired official like Fauci is receiving this kind of treatment, noting that the only other retired official he knows of who receives such benefits is a former president.
It remains unclear whether Fauci is also receiving government-provided legal counsel.
This revelation raises further questions about the extent of Fauci's involvement in government affairs and the benefits he is entitled to as a retired official. As the debate surrounding his role and influence continues, the American public awaits further clarification on the matter.
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