Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to President Biden, received $15 million in taxpayer-funded security following his retirement. The arrangement, uncovered by Open the Books through a Freedom of Information Act request, included a full security detail provided by the U.S. Marshals Service.

The security package included a chauffeur and coverage for transportation, salaries, and equipment for deputies assigned to protect Fauci. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entered into a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Marshals Service to justify the security detail, citing concerns about threats from extremist groups.

This is egregious- paying Mengele like Fauci for his "protection". More than $15 MILLION per secret agreement-a MOU between HHS &US Marshall's. More assets than @realDonaldTrump got !! pic.twitter.com/u1pqhxZZsD

— Evie ***** (@Evie707656912) November 12, 2024

$15 million in taxpayer funds went to Dr Anthony Fauci's security detail https://t.co/q0GPKHgruH pic.twitter.com/MyYRCzbLSO

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) November 13, 2024

Critics have questioned the expense, noting that the U.S. Marshals Service is typically tasked with protecting witnesses and apprehending criminals. The agreement included the possibility of renewal, raising concerns about how long the taxpayer-funded protection would continue.

Trump ally Elon Musk doubles down on calls to prosecute Dr. Fauci https://t.co/mYFPCiDAAZ

— TJ Smith (@sm86985448) November 14, 2024

Fauci retired in December 2022 as the highest-paid federal employee, earning $480,654 per year. His estimated pension is $355,000 annually. Despite retiring, he has remained active, publishing a memoir and taking a professorship at Georgetown University, though reports indicate he has not yet taught a class.

FAUCI FOR PRISON https://t.co/7aMbsN1jB2

— Mary A (@ArrasMary) November 14, 2024

Don't forget Fauci torturing beagles. https://t.co/6o5q4565Kw

— MJ Alton (@Maryjohaynes) November 14, 2024

Fauci’s tenure at NIAID during the COVID-19 pandemic drew widespread attention and controversy. Policies he helped craft, such as social distancing and masking, were heavily debated. He initially dismissed the lab leak theory regarding the origin of COVID-19 but later admitted before Congress that it was a possibility.

Supporters argue the security detail was warranted due to threats against him during his tenure. However, critics say the cost raises questions about government accountability and the reasonable and ethical allocation of public funds.