(Washington) US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he had "very good relations" with immunologist Anthony Fauci, after trying to discredit the latter, who is widely respected in the United States.
France Media Agency
"I have a very good relationship with D r Fauci", a Trump said in an exchange with reporters at the White House.
"I think he is a very good person [...], I like him personally", he added, while adding that he was "not always d 'agree with him'.
For several days, Donald Trump has been criticizing this renowned researcher, the government's top infectious disease expert, who tirelessly emphasizes that the United States is in an unenviable position in the fight against the pandemic .
"He's a good man, but he made a lot of mistakes," said the White House tenant, who, four months before the presidential election, systematically downplays the spectacular rise in number of COVID cases - 19 across the United States.
Over the weekend, a White House official fueled these attacks.
On condition of anonymity, he communicated to the Washington Post executive "concerns" about "the number of times D r Fauci has was wrong ". The same official provided a daily list of the scientist's statements he believed to be incorrect.
In this context, does the president always appreciate the advice of Mr. Fauci?
"Certainly," said Kayleigh McEnany, his spokesman, who is said to be concerned about easing tensions on Monday.
"Le D r Fauci is one of the many people in the group of work (on the coronavirus) which gives advice ", she added.
Faced with the outbreak of new cases in the South and in the West, the famous immunologist sounded the alarm, denouncing overly hasty deconfinements and the carelessness of the Americans.
"As a country, when we compare ourselves to other countries, I don't think we can say that we did well. This is simply not the case, "he warned.
