Fauci says he feels safe despite threats, is focusing on job

 Dr. Anthony Fauci, top U.S. infectious disease official, said Thursday he feels safe despite reports he's received online threats and has h uncomfortable personal encounters with mirers that prompted Trump ministration to assign him a security detail.

Washington Post first reported Fauci's enhanced security, citing people with kwledge of situation at Health and Human Services and Justice departments. It said Alex Azar, HHS secretary, grew concerned about Fauci's safety as his profile has risen. Fauci is said to have received threats online and been approached by mirers.

Asked Thursday if he felt safe, 79-year-old Fauci told NBC, "You kw, I do. ... I've chosen this life and I mean I kw what it is. re are things about it that are sometimes disturbing but you just focus on job you have to do and just put all of that stuff aside and try as best as possible t to pay attention to it."

Reporters asked Fauci about his security detail on Wednesday at White House COVID-19 briefing. “Anything that has to do with security detail, I'd have to have you refer that question to inspector general of HHS," he said.

Trump n said Fauci doesn't need security. “Everybody loves him. Besides, y'd be in big trouble if y ever attacked,” Trump said.