"Fauci Faces Backlash as Study Challenges Mask Effectiveness"

Dr. Anthony Fauci faced criticism and accusations of being a "fraud" and a "liar" after acknowledging a study on CNN that showed masks had little impact on the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Fauci admitted that the data on masks' effectiveness at a population level were less strong, he maintained that other research showed masks could be protective at an individual level. Conservative critics seized on Fauci's comments to question his credibility and accuse him of deception. Fauci had previously reversed his stance on masks, initially citing shortages for healthcare providers before endorsing their use. The controversy comes amid a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the US.