Dr. Fauci to step down by end of the year

Chief White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci announced Monday that he plans on stepping down from his duties in the federal government by the end of this year to "pursue the next chapter."

The 81-year-old Fauci, who has also served almost four decades as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also made clear in his announcement that he doesn't plan to retire.

"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," he wrote.

President Joe Biden in a statement said that during his time as vice president he worked closely with Fauci in response to the Zika and Ebola viruses.

"As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci's expertise in whatever he does next," Biden wrote.

Fauci said he plans on continuing to put his full effort into his current job over the next several months, but he did not indicate his future plans.

Last month, Fauci said he planned on retiring at the end of President Biden's term.

Fauci has faced heightened scrutiny for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both House and Senate Republicans have vowed to investigate Fauci if they take control of Congress after the midterm elections this fall.