Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci received $15 million in taxpayer-funded security after his retirement in December 2022, documents obtained by Open the Books reveal. The protective detail, provided by the U.S. Marshals Service through an agreement with Health and Human Services, covered security services for Fauci from January 2023 through September 2024.
The security arrangement, unprecedented for a former federal employee, included a chauffeur, full security staff, and transportation services. The U.S. Marshals Service, which typically focuses on protecting judges and witnesses, has faced budget constraints in recent years, and this level of protection has raised concerns about resource allocation.
Fauci, who served as the face of the U.S. pandemic response, said he continues to receive death threats due to his high-profile role and frequent public criticism, which he claims has put him at greater risk.
Critics question the fairness of the arrangement, pointing to other public figures who have not received similar taxpayer-funded security. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran for president earlier this year, had to pay for private security after being denied Secret Service protection multiple times, despite facing documented threats.
Fauci’s security funding contrasts with the Marshals Service’s recent request for $28 million to better fulfill its primary responsibilities, which include protecting federal judges.
