Associated Press
Dr. Scott Atlas, a science adviser to President Donald Trump who was skeptical of measures to control the coronavirus outbreak, is leaving his White House post.
A White House official confirmed that the Stanford University neuroradiologist, who had no formal experience in public health or infectious diseases, resigned at the end of his temporary government assignment. Atlas confirmed the news in a Monday evening tweet.
Atlas joined the White House this summer, where he clashed with top government scientists, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, as he resisted stronger efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 267,000 Americans.
Atlas has broken with government experts and the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community to criticize efforts to encourage face covering to slow the spread of the virus. Just weeks ago on Twitter he responded to Michigan’s latest virus restrictions by encouraging people to “rise up” against the state’s policies.
His views also prompted Stanford to issue a statement distancing itself from the faculty member, saying Atlas “has expressed views that are inconsistent with the university’s approach in response to the pandemic.”
“We support using masks, social distancing, and conducting surveillance and diagnostic testing,” the university said Nov. 16. “We also believe in the importance of strictly following the guidance of local and state health authorities.”
Atlas joined Gov. Ron DeSantis in September for a three-stop Florida tour focused on COVID-19 testing and reopening efforts.
The White House task force adviser called Florida’s response “exemplary” and noted that DeSantis was the first Governor to emphasize protecting nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
He also argued that public policy’s role should not be to “just eliminate COVID-19 infection at all costs.”
The pair held press conferences in Tallahassee, Tampa and The Villages.
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Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
3 comments
S B ANTHONY
November 30, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Figures that that quack is joined by DeSantis. Two reckless know-nothings.
Ocean Joe
December 1, 2020 at 5:37 am
He slipped out the back door and has gone back to his forte: reading x-rays. A shame we missed a chance to have Atlas determine the status of Trump’s bone spurs.
Sonja Fitch
December 1, 2020 at 6:38 am
Lol. All the rats are escaping the loser! Lol. Of course Desantis is willingly slaughtering Floridians! So Desantis compares facts to flat earth believers! Lol. Desantis you allowed this quack to travel and speak with you as his escort, touting his bs! Desantis get out! Desantis you are a Fing loser!
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