CNBC anchor Shepard Smith repeatedly pressed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci to call for a nationwide mask mandate during a Wednesday interview.
Smith said, “You’ve said a national mask mandate is maybe a good idea. Why maybe?”
Fauci said, “Well, the reason is, I would hope that we could pull together as a country and realize the importance —”
Smith said, “We haven’t.”
Fauci said, “Yeah. We have not, and that’s the reason why I said very clearly—”
Smith pressed, “Is it time for the mandate, Dr. Fauci?”
Fauci replied, “Yeah, I—”
Smith interjected, “We lean on you for advice. Do we need a national mandate or not?”
Fauci said, “Well, we do. If we don’t get one, then I would hope that the governors and the mayors do it locally if it’s not done nationally.”
Smith said, “But Dr. Fauci, are you still — does the president — are you still in the president’s ear, or no, and if not, who is?”
Fauci said, “Well, I haven’t spoken to the president in quite a while about the situation with regard to the outbreak, but I can tell you right now, regardless of that, what we do need is adherence to — mandate or not — if mandate is needed, let’s do a mandate.”
Smith said, “You’re the one who decides what is needed, Dr. Fauci.”
Fauci asked, “Hey Shep, are you going to let me finish?”
Smith replied, “It’s pretty, urgent, doc.”
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