Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifies at a hearing on September 23 in Washington, DC. | Alex Edelman/Getty Images

The country’s top infectious disease expert talks with Vox on Covid-19 science and the case for trusting a vaccine.

Six months into the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, remains one of the most visible and steadfast defenders of science in an increasingly politicized environment.

On Thursday, Vox and Today, Explained host Sean Rameswaram spoke to Fauci about calling out Sen. Rand Paul at a Wednesday Senate hearing; his projections for when vaccines may be ready to distribute; his concerns about public mistrust in the vaccine approval process; and telling political appointees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to “take a walk.” He also detailed