White House denies Trump undermining Dr Fauci despite sending 'opposition research' to reporters

'Dr Fauci and the president always had a good working relationship,' press secretary says, notably in the past tense

The White House on Monday denied sending campaign-style opposition research to reporters to discredit Anthony Fauci, the federal government's top infectious disease expert who has at times contradicted Donald Trump on coronavirus.

There is no opposition research being dumped to reporters," press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters.

She contended that emails were sent from White House press aides to The Washington Post in response to a "straightforward question."

Mr Trump's aides "provided straightforward information" in response pointing out when Dr Fauci has been incorrect about the coronavirus.

What's more, the president's top spokeswoman contended Mr Trump and the infectious disease experts get along swimmingly.

"Dr Fauci and the president always had a good working relationship," she said, notably in the past tense.

"The notion that there's Dr. Fauci vs. the president couldn't be further from the truth," she said.

Mr Trump in recent weeks has said of Dr Fauci: "I disagree with him" about the virus.

While the president contends the US is beating the virus, Dr Fauci says the pandemic is a great danger to Americans.