President Trump seemed surprised by the backlash he received when he mentioned rolling back the coronavirus task force, which includes Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, both pillars of solace for many during these uncertain times. Chris Cillizza explains how the coronavirus task force came to be, and why their popularity may be the reason Trump wanted to get rid of them.

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:
Dr. Anthony Fauci's career under 6 US presidents
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/health/gallery/anthony-fauci/index.html

Deborah L. Birx, M.D.
https://www.state.gov/biographies/deborah-l-birx-md/

Trump Says He Didn’t Know How ‘Popular’ Coronavirus Task Force Is
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-coronavirus-task-force-popular_n_5eb31d4bc5b6fa11e5a1dbf5

Statement from the Press Secretary Regarding the President’s Coronavirus Task Force
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-regarding-presidents-coronavirus-task-force/

Trump puts Pence in charge of US coronavirus response
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/26/politics/trump-coronavirus-stock-market/index.html

From cupcakes to candles, you can now find Dr. Anthony Fauci's face on everything
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/31/us/dr-fauci-cupcakes-doughnuts-socks-trnd/index.html

Dr. Birx’s Scarves Are the Surprise Hit of Coronavirus Briefings
https://www.wsj.com/articles/dr-birxs-scarves-are-the-surprise-hit-of-coronavirus-briefings-11587742093

Of course you’ve noticed Deborah Birx’s style. That’s why it’s so reassuring.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/03/25/course-youve-noticed-deborah-birxs-style-thats-why-its-so-reassuring/

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Survey
https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6842659/200203-NBCWSJ-April-Poll-4-19-20-Release.pdf

For Dr. Deborah Birx, Urging Calm Has Come With Heavy Criticism
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/us/politics/deborah-birx-coronavirus.html

Trump retweets call to fire Fauci amid coronavirus criticism
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/13/politics/donald-trump-anthony-fauci-tweet/index.html

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I was named "best dressed" in 7th grade. That, along with being CNN's editor at large and author of the daily "Point" newsletter are my proudest achievements. Look for me here every Tuesday and Thursday to find out what’s really going down in politics.

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