They could be excused, as government officials they always have to walk the tight rope. Even if retired, they still do, just check on Friedman and gotlieb,both former fda bosses.

But for common scientists they can always speak out. Even if government ones, no1 gave much credit to the cdc female spokesperson who in mid feb said it,s not if but when America would get pandemic, she should be singled out for praise, much better than fauci, who in most part of Jan played down the significance. I hope she not punished.

The real interesting issue is this, as I said:

Why few American scientists come out to support the Sweden model, look trump would like more Sweden supporters in America, so forget scientist being bullied by trump. Why? The only explanation: Sweden way is not the mainstream view in science this moment, even if if it might be proved right eventually.