Jeanne Marrazzo to Succeed Fauci at National Institute of Health

Facts

• The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Wednesday announced it had selected Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo to replace Dr. Anthony Fauci as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Fauci led the department for 38 years before stepping down last December.¹
• Marrazzo, an infectious diseases expert from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, has previously worked with the NIH as a peer reviewer and advisory committee member.²
• Like her predecessor, Marrazzo has worked in HIV research and has an extensive background studying the prevention of HIV infection, sexually transmitted diseases, and antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea.³
• She is expected to take over from Hugh Auchincloss Jr. — who has served as acting director since Fauci stepped down from the post — in the fall, assuming a position that has seen a dramatic rise in prominence and scrutiny since the COVID pandemic.⁴
• Unlike Monica Bertagnolli — who will replace Lawrence Tabak as the NIH's director — Marrazzo’s position doesn’t require Senate confirmation. However, she could face scrutiny from GOP lawmakers as part of their investigation into NIAID’s funding of controversial pathogen research.⁵
• Fauci, who recently joined Georgetown University’s faculty, has expressed his contentment with Marrazzo’s appointment, but warned that her new job would not be easy amid what he considers a growing “trend toward anti-science in the country.”⁶

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²CBS 42, ³CNN (a), ⁴CNN (b), ⁵The Hill, and ⁶Washington Post.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Daily Mail. Marrazzo is a power-hungry ideologue like her crooked predecessor, Anthony Fauci. Marrazzo, a frequently appearing “expert” on cable TV panels, has repeated the same talking points concerning masks for school children and vaccine mandates, despite all information showing that these policies are not scientifically coherent. Marrazzo will do precisely what she shouldn't, and push more alarmism about COVID and threats of the next “public health crisis.”
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by The Washington Post. Marrazzo has contributed significantly to American medicine through her research into sexually transmitted diseases. Her deep commitment to justice has done wonders for LGBTQ+ patients, and she is continuing to break down barriers for the betterment of public health. While some conspiracy theorists will try to demonize her like they did Fauci, her resume and accomplishments prove she is the right pick to lead the NIAID.

Predictions