'Propaganda': Trump Campaign Exposed for Using Dr. Fauci Out of Context in New Ad

Dr. Anthony Fauci became a familiar figure standing beside Donald Trump at media briefings, never openly contradicting him but trying to steer him away from his worst ideas. (Photo: Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

'Propaganda': Trump Campaign Exposed for Using Dr. Fauci Out of Context in New Ad

'The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context'

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government's top infectious disease expert, told media outlets Sunday that he did not consent to being featured in an ad by the Trump campaign, saying his words were taken out of context.

"In my nearly five decades of public service, I have never publicly endorsed any political candidate. The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials," Fauci said in a statement provided to NBC and CNN.

The ad, released last week shortly after the president was discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center following treatment for COVID-19, touts the president's response to the virus. The ad includes a short clip of Fauci saying "I can't imagine that anybody could be doing more" in an attempt to make it appear as if he is praising Trump's response. But he was not.

Also Sunday, on ABC News' "This Week", host Jon Karl said he requested Fauci come on his show for an interview, and although Fauci was willing, the White House blocked Fauci's appearance.

Here is the new Trump 30-second TV spot:

Join Us: News for people demanding a better world


Common Dreams is powered by optimists who believe in the power of informed and engaged citizens to ignite and enact change to make the world a better place.

We're hundreds of thousands strong, but every single supporter makes the difference.

Your contribution supports this bold media model—free, independent, and dedicated to reporting the facts every day. Stand with us in the fight for economic equality, social justice, human rights, and a more sustainable future. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover the issues the corporate media never will. Join with us today!

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.