Dr. Anthony “trust the science” Fauci has served over half a century in government, and he’s said in the past that he has been especially proud to serve in President Joe Biden’s administration for the last two years as his chief medical advisor during the Wuhan virus pandemic.

But evidently, that “pride” has taken a backseat to Fauci’s infamously inflated ego, as the media darling and liberal icon announced on Monday that he plans on stepping down in December of this year – conveniently – from his roles at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases as well as from his role advising Biden, just as Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) predicted would happen:

I am announcing today that I will be stepping down from the positions of Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Chief of the NIAID Laboratory of Immunoregulation, as well as the position of Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden. I will be leaving these positions in December of this year to pursue the next chapter of my career.

[…]

While I am moving on from my current positions, I am not retiring. After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field. I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats.

Over the coming months, I will continue to put my full effort, passion and commitment into my current responsibilities, as well as help prepare the Institute for a leadership transition. NIH is served by some of the most talented scientists in the world, and I have no doubt that I am leaving this work in very capable hands.

Biden, of course, lavished praise on Fauci:

NEW: President Biden on Dr. Fauci departure. Fauci plans to step down in December after half a century in government. @NewsNation pic.twitter.com/NYI1XZ4HAM

— Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) August 22, 2022

Apparently, the “next phase” of Fauci’s career will include collecting a sweet pension and possibly avoiding having to answer before Congress under oath as to what he knew about the origins of COVID-19 and U.S. gain of research funding:

Fauci’s federal pension will pay $350K+ per year, highest ever — and by retiring he’ll probably be able to avoid testifying before Chairman @RandPaul‘s committee.https://t.co/yHf0mejcQp

— Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) August 22, 2022

Missouri Senate nominee Eric Schmitt was among the many Republicans who weighed in on Fauci’s announcement by suggesting his retirement will not stop them from calling on him to testify.

“Anthony Fauci has just announced he’s stepping aside in December — just before Republicans take the House & Senate back,” Schmitt tweeted after the news was announced. “My advice to Fauci: Clear your 2023 calendar for Senate hearings that will focus on your lies & deceit that destroyed lives & livelihoods.”

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has absolutely owned Fauci throughout the pandemic including when Fauci served under former President Donald Trump and now Biden, has not yet weighed in on this development. But I’m sure when it happens it will be epic, especially considering Fauci’s news comes on the heels of Paul noting that if the GOP took control of Congress that they would be looking to “get to the bottom” of the origins of the coronavirus.

As always, stay tuned.

Update – 12:30pm ET: As expected, Rand Paul is in beast mode:

“Fauci’s resignation will not prevent a full-throated investigation into the origins of the pandemic. He will be asked to testify under oath regarding any discussions he participated in concerning the lab leak.”

Time to stock up on the popcorn!

Flashback: Dr. Fauci Lets an Inconvenient Truth About COVID Slip out During Interview