Asked whether the president still had confidence in Fauci, a White House official on Monday insisted Trump did.
But that supportive message was not echoed by Peter Navarro, a top White House trade adviser who has been working on the coronavirus effort.
However, one senior White House aide insisted frustration with him was directed more at outsiders, including some in the media who elevate Fauci" and fault the White House for not showing more deference.
The effort is part of a White House effort to counterpunch on behalf of Trump, who believes all slights must have a forceful response, said one official, who, like others, spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal White House thinking.
America should be applauding Dr. Fauci for his service and following his advice, not undermining his credibility at this critical time," they wrote.