Fauci's Absence From Task Force Briefing Turns Heads

Dr. Anthony Fauci's absence from the White House coronavirus task force briefing is making news.

Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was absent from the press briefing Monday for the second day in a row. His disagreements with President Donald Trump on the U.S.'s coronavirus response has made headlines, specifically comments he made to Science magazine over the weekend when he said there was a limit to what he could do when Trump made false statements.

"I can't jump in front of the microphone and push him down," Fauci said. "OK, he said it. Let's try and get it corrected for the next time."

Trump's patience is reportedly wearing thin with Fauci, according to a report in The New York Times published shortly after Monday's press briefing, and the president has become increasingly concerned with Fauci correcting his statements during the task force briefings.  

Some White House officials have become concerned Fauci is criticizing the president, per the Times.

Still, his TV absence is being felt.

Fox anchor Connell McShane tweeted:

"A lot of people were looking forward to hearing Dr. Fauci's take on the timing of this 'reopening' strategy. But … no Fauci at the briefing."

SiriusXM host Michael Smerconish:

"No Fauci … not a good sign."

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