Donald Trump admits he ‘didn’t really listen’ to Dr Anthony Fauci

Former president Donald Trump has been criticised for admitting he ignored the advice of Dr Anthony Fauci throughout the Covid pandemic.

Trump and Dr Fauci have had a strained relationship, evident in the uncomfortable press conferences they stood side by side.

Speaking of the Covid Taskforce adviser on Fox News, Trump said: “I didn’t really listen to him, because I was doing the opposite of what he was saying.

“Frankly if he were known as someone who was with me all the way, he wouldn’t be popular with the media.

“He’s just a media creation.”

He added: “You saw him throw out the first pitch in Washington. He is a better pitcher than at what he does. He’s a great promoter.”

Trump’s comments have sparked outrage across the globe, with some accusing the former leader of willfully neglecting citizens, leading to a higher Covid death rate.

Dr Fauci has headed the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for more than three decades, and six administrations.

He’s guided the country through a number of epidemics including HIV, Sars, Zika and Ebola.

Dr Fauci recently said he felt “liberated” to speak freely about science under Joe Biden’s administration.