More than 155 scientists, physicians and public health advocates signed an open letter Tuesday demanding the Trump administration halt what they describe as the “vilification and public harassment” of researchers, according to a copy reviewed by the Wail.
The letter was published ahead of a scheduled congressional appearance by former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, whose conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic has remained a sustained target of Republican-led oversight efforts.
Signatories argue the administration’s posture toward scientists has inflicted lasting damage on public health institutions and deterred researchers from public service, sources familiar with the letter told the Wail.
The letter does not name individual administration officials but calls on the White House to cease what it characterises as government-directed attacks on scientific figures.
Fauci, 85, left federal service in December 2022 after more than five decades at the National Institutes of Health. He has since faced renewed scrutiny under Republican-controlled congressional committees.
The Wail confirmed the letter circulated through scientific and public health networks beginning Monday. The date of Fauci’s congressional appearance had not been publicly confirmed at time of filing.