White House blocks Fauci from testifying

Bloomberg

The Trump administration has barred Anthony Fauci, the scientist who’s leading the US response to the coronavirus pandemic, from testifying before a congressional hearing next Wednesday.
Fauci had been sought as a witness for a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee that was looking into the US response to the pandemic, according to Evan Hollander, a committee spokesman.
“We have been informed by an administration official that the White House has blocked Dr. Fauci from testifying,” Hollander said. The White House later confirmed that Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, would not be appearing.
“While the Trump administration continues its whole-
of-government response to Covid-19, including safely opening up America again and expediting vaccine development, it is counter-productive to have the very individuals involved in those efforts appearing at congressional hearings,” White House spokesman Judd Deere said. “We are committed to working with Congress to offer testimony at the appropriate time.”