Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, participates in the daily coronavirus task force briefing in the Brady Briefing room at the White House on March 31, 2020 in Washington, DC.

Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert who serves on the White House coronavirus task force, has picked up a security detail after receiving multiple threats, according to several news outlets.

"I've chosen this life. I know what it is," the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told an NBC News reporter when asked about the threats against him.

"There are things about it that sometimes are disturbing. But you just focus on the job you have to do. And just put all that other stuff aside."

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President Donald Trump dismissed the reports of threats against Fauci at Wednesday's task force briefing, suggesting the top doctor, who he said used to be a basketball player, could defend himself.

"He doesn't need security. Everybody loves him," Trump said. "Besides that, they'd be in big trouble if they ever attacked him."

Fauci, who is 79, has earned a reputation as an honest speaker. He has been a blunt voice at task force briefings, sometimes contradicting Trump's apparently misleading statements. He has done numerous high-profile interviews, including with prominent YouTubers and NBA player Stephen Curry and Barstool Sports, in an effort to reach a more widespread audience.