Trump says he may fire Dr. Anthony Fauci

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY/AP)- President Donald Trump is suggesting that he will fire the nation’s top infectious disease expert after Tuesday’s election, as he expresses frustration that the coronavirus remains in the news amid a nationwide spike of COVID-19.

Rallying supporters after midnight in Florida, Trump suggested that the virus would get less news coverage after Election Day. It sparked part of the crowd to chant “Fire Fauci,” in reference to Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Trump replied to the crowd, “Don’t tell anybody, but let me wait until a little bit after the election.” He has previously expressed that he was concerned about the political blowback of removing the popular and respected doctor before Election Day. He added he appreciated the “advice” of the crowd.

Fauci has grown outspoken that Trump has ignored his advice for containing the virus, saying he hasn’t spoken with Trump in more than a month. He has raised alarm that the nation was heading for a challenging winter if more isn’t done soon to slow the spread of the disease which has killed more than 230,000 Americans so far this year.

10:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump is expressing confidence that he already has victory in Georgia assured as he campaigns in the newly competitive battleground two days before Election Day.

Trump told thousands of supporters at a rally in northwestern Georgia that his aides told him he had the state “made.”

“They said sir you don’t have to come to Georgia. We have it made.”

He adds: “They said this morning, honestly, you can skip Georgia.”

The state, like much of the country, has seen record turnout in early voting, as Democrats aim to capture demographic changes to find a new pathway to the presidency through the state. Trump is wagering on a boom of Republican votes to help him overcome Democratic advantages in early voting.

He said in Rome: “Wait until you see what’s going to happen with the great red wave.”