In a recent interview with Jake Tapper of CNN, Dr. Anthony Fauci pushed for more Covid-19 vaccine mandates on the local level while calling out “red states” and “the South.”
During the interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Fauci told Tapper, “I have been of this opinion, and I remain of that opinion, that I do believe at the local level, Jake, there should be more mandates.”
The chief medical advisor to the president also asked, “Why are we having red states and places in the South, that are very highly ideological in one way, not wanting to get vaccinations?”
Fauci also argued that “vaccinations have nothing to do with politics,” despite directly involving himself in politics by advocating for local vaccine mandates. The issue has become fiercely partisan, with a sizable majority of Democrats believing that students, teachers, and employees should be forced to receive the vaccine before being allowed back to school or work.
Meanwhile, Republican legislators have banned vaccine passports in 11 states and are considering similar legislation in an additional 31 states.
Although Fauci has now publicly come out in support of more local mandates, both he and the Biden administration have stated there are currently no plans to issue a federal vaccine mandate for either schools or businesses, according to Politico.
During the interview, Fauci also stated, “There is no reason to not get vaccinated,” while also recognizing that some have refused to take the vaccine since it was only authorized by the FDA for emergency purposes and has not yet received full approval.
He also discussed the ramifications of full approval, boasting, “I think when you do see the official approval, Jake, you’re going to see a lot more mandates.”
Source: The Federalist
