Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reiterated his call for a moratorium on gain-of-function research on Newsmax Wednesday, saying transparency from key officials is crucial to understanding the origins and impact of COVID-19.
In an appearance on "Rob Schmitt Tonight," Redfield was asked about former President Joe Biden's decision to pardon Dr. Anthony Fauci. Redfield said the move could allow Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to address what Redfield described as past missteps.
"You know, I hope that ... it gives Fauci an opportunity to try to be more honest and transparent about the decisions that he made and what he did," Redfield said. "I'm not confident that that's going to happen."
Redfield also questioned the nature of the pardon.
"I also think it's odd ... for Biden to pardon him prospectively when he hasn't been accused of any direct crime. It does imply that I actually did something wrong," he said.
"And ... I do think Tony did mislead the nation and he did mislead the Congress. He did make some bad decisions when it came to funding the research and gain-of-function research in China."
When asked if he believes Fauci realizes his own responsibility, Redfield drew a comparison to physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
"I watched the Oppenheimer movie and ... he finally realized what happened with the science that he gave to the world ... I don't know if Tony realizes ...
"You saw it with Rand Paul when Rand Paul suggested ... that he was involved in the gain-of-function research, and he jumped and said ... 'You're accusing me of potentially killing 4 million people?'" Redfield continued.
"Well, unfortunately, it's not 4 million. It's probably more than 7 [million], 8 [million], 9 [million], 10 [million], 20 million people."
Redfield said gain-of-function studies, which involve manipulating viruses to understand their potential threats better, should be suspended.
"I heard today ... the president is considering ... a moratorium on gain-of-function research and significant penalties or limitations on people that want to try to do it," he said.
"I think it's really important. If one good thing comes from this, [it's that] we get a moratorium on gain-of-function research."
He added that he hopes Fauci will use this moment to provide clarity.
"I do hope Tony takes advantage of this opportunity to basically be more transparent and let people understand why he made the decisions he did and also admit some accountability for the negative consequences of those decisions," Redfield said.
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Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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