DeKalb GA News

Dr. Francis Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), recently participated in an anti-Trump rally where he performed a musical piece that has sparked significant attention. The event, which was shared on social media, featured Collins playing a guitar and attempting to lead attendees in song.

Collins, who served as NIH director from 2009 until his retirement in December 2021, was appointed by then-President Barack Obama. During his tenure, he faced criticism for opposing "The Great Barrington Declaration," which challenged COVID-19 lockdowns. At the rally, which aired on CSPAN2 as part of a "Stand Up For Science" protest, Collins encouraged participants to join him in singing lyrics promoting unity and a noble dream.

"You got that, so it’s all the good people, but the second line, part of this family, the last line, we’re joined together by this noble dream. Do that with me," Collins instructed before beginning his performance.

In addition to his public health role during the pandemic, Collins' leadership at NIH included funding research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) through EcoHealth Alliance. This research has been scrutinized due to suspicions that a lab leak at WIV may have initiated the COVID-19 pandemic.

The musical endeavor drew comments from various figures including Scott Jennings on CNN: “Over the last few weeks, there’s been numerous instances of Democrats breaking out into song, and all I’ve been able to discern is that when Democrats are singing, Republicans are winning.”

This performance adds to ongoing discussions about political expression through music among Democratic figures.