Fauci clip used by Trump campaign is 'misleading'

Anthony Fauci, top US government scientist, criticises 'misleading' clip of him used by the Trump campaign.

The 30-second clip used as part of a political advert, where Dr Fauci said "I can't imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more", was, referencing his work with other officials. This contrasts with the Trump campaign's framing of the clip, which suggested Dr Fauci was talking about the US President's handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Dr Fauci commented on the video on Sunday, that was taken from an interview back in March, saying that: "The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP [Republican Party] campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials."

He added that he never had "publicly endorsed any political candidate" during his service to the US government.

President Donald Trump defended the use of the clip, stating that they "are indeed Dr Fauci's own words. We have done a 'phenomenal' job, according to certain governors".

This all comes as the president resumes his campaign trail starting in Florida, then Pennsylvania and Iowa, which are vital swing battlegrounds for presidential candidates.