Carlson hits back at Fauci: ‘Never for a minute doubted’ vaccines work

Tucker Carlson on Wednesday responded to Anthony Fauci’s criticism of an earlier segment in which the conservative television host appeared to question the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines, saying that he “never for a minute doubted” that they work.

During his Wednesday episode of “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” the Fox News host played a clip from a CNN interview with Fauci earlier that day in which the nation’s top infectious diseases expert argued that Carlson was advancing a “typical crazy conspiracy theory.” 

Fauci specifically criticized Carlson questioning guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that recommends that vaccinated people continue to wear masks and conform to social distancing guidelines. 

“If the vaccine is effective, there is no reason for people who have received the vaccine to wear masks or avoid physical contact,” Carlson had said on Tuesday. “So maybe it doesn’t work, and they’re simply not telling you that.”

Fauci said Wednesday that Carlson’s remarks “were counter to what we’re trying to accomplish to protect the safety and the health of the American public.” 

Carlson, who has previously said he is pro-vaccine, said Wednesday that he had not intended to doubt the efficacy of the vaccines, but instead sought to address concerns on the safety requirements for Americans post-vaccination. 

“Wait a second. Who is doubting that vaccines work?” Carlson began. “For the record, we never for a minute doubted it.” 

Tucker Carlson responds to Fauci: “If this stuff works, why can’t you live like it works? Why are you wearing a mask? Why can’t you eat in a restaurant? And if it doesn’t prevent you from catching the coronavirus, why are we taking it in the first place? Both can’t be true.” pic.twitter.com/aRpmKizjPM

— Scott Morefield (@SKMorefield) April 15, 2021

“We assumed they had detailed studies showing that it does work. We still think that,” Carlson added. “The only reason we are asking the question is because the people in charge are acting like it doesn’t work.” 

“You see the president of the United States wearing a mask outside, you see the vice president doing the same thing,” he continued. “You see the guy in charge of coronavirus response … telling us that, again, after you’ve had the vaccine, you must remain under the restrictions.” 

“So we’re asking a question that is rooted in science, which is why?” Carlson continued. “If this stuff works, why can’t you live like it works? What are you really telling us here?”

“If the coronavirus vaccine prevents you from catching the coronavirus, why are you wearing a mask?” he asked. “So that’s the question. It’s not a conspiracy theory. As an American, you should ask it too.” 

In its updated guidance for fully vaccinated people released earlier this month, the CDC said individuals should continue to wear masks and social distance in public, though they do not need to follow these restrictions when gathering indoors with other fully vaccinated people. 

Chelsea Clinton on Wednesday called on Facebook to ban Carlson after a post containing his Tuesday segment became the most popular post on the platform. 

“In December, @facebook banned claims about #covid19 vaccines ‘that have been debunked by public health experts.’ And yet,” Clinton tweeted.

In December, @facebook banned claims about #covid19 vaccines “that have been debunked by public health experts.” And yet ⬇️. Especially troubling given Republican men are currently most likely to say they’re not interested in being vaccinated. https://t.co/NHWwn8vQ31

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) April 14, 2021