Dr. Anthony Fauci is set to speak at the University of Minnesota Tuesday evening, months after his originally scheduled appearance was canceled due to disruptive campus protests.
Through a data request, Alpha News learned that Fauci’s speaking fee for the event is $75,000.
“Note that while this lecture series is typically supported by donor funds, the rescheduled event was supported by the University’s Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost,” the university said in its response to the request. The fee includes travel expenses.
Fauci, the former chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden and longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will headline the Humphrey School’s Distinguished Carlson Lecture series at Northrop Auditorium in an “Evening with Dr. Anthony Fauci.”
However, if you were hoping to catch Dr. Fauci live at the U of M tonight, you’re out of luck. The free event—which begins at 6 p.m.—is officially “sold out.”
Fauci remains a polarizing figure
Fauci, who became a household name—and a lightning rod—during the COVID-19 pandemic is now hitting the public speaking circuit.
Fauci’s return to the spotlight also comes amid renewed scrutiny over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic—from lockdown mandates and shifting mask guidance to his role in funding controversial virus research.
There was also the controversial move by President Biden when he famously issued preemptive pardons to Dr. Fauci and others in the final hours before President Donald Trump was sworn in again.
The unprecedented move sparked immediate backlash from critics, including Sen. Rand Paul, a longtime Fauci skeptic.
“If there was ever any doubt as to who bears responsibility for the COVID pandemic, Biden’s pardon of Fauci forever seals the deal,” Paul posted on X.
Fauci officially retired from government service in December 2022. Records later revealed that he and his wife Christine had a total net worth of over $11 million at the time he left his government post.
University frames the event as a platform for dialogue
The university described Fauci as a “dedicated public servant, humanitarian, and visionary global health leader,” citing his decades-long work on HIV/AIDS, SARS, the swine flu, Ebola, and COVID-19.
His lecture, part of a series sponsored by the Carlson Family Foundation, is being billed as an opportunity to promote “diverse perspectives and meaningful dialogue.”
“Fauci’s participation in the Distinguished Carlson Lecture Series underscores our dedication to fostering open conversation and inviting our students and our community to engage with a wide range of viewpoints,” the Humphrey School said in a statement.
Event follows a previously canceled attempt
Fauci’s appearance comes after an attempt to do the same last fall.
In October 2024, the university abruptly postponed Fauci’s scheduled lecture after anti-Israel protesters stormed Morrill Hall, an administrative building near the venue, damaging property and barricading doors. According to the university, police were called after some employees were unable to exit the building.
At the time, university officials said they made the “difficult decision” to reschedule the lecture due to the “unexpected and complicated incidents” on campus, citing a need to ensure a “great experience” for attendees.
This article was updated after publication with information on Fauci’s speaking fee.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
