WATCH: White House can't imagine firing Fauci

The White House finally fielded questions from reporters on Friday about the massive cache of emails that emerged from FOIA requests for Dr. Anthony Fauci's emails this week.

Fox News' Peter Doocy asked White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki about those emails, but the White House was not forthcoming.

"There have been these emails that have come out through a FOIA request that make it seem like—we know that he had his hands full at the time trying to figure out what to do—but it seems like there were times where he was saying one thing in email and then was coming to this microphone and saying something else. If that is the case, and if that affected the US policy posture at the time should he be held accountable?" Doocy asked.

"Well, I've talked a little bit about Dr. Fauci, and Dr. Fauci has been out doing interviews himself, answering questions on these emails and questions that you all may have," Psaki said, before launching into a recitation of his accomplishments and reputation.

"Do you think these attacks are political against Dr. Fauci?" Doocy asked.

"I'm gonna let Dr. Fauci speak to his own defense of his emails from 17 months ago before this president even took office," Psaki said.

"Does President Biden have a position on gain-of-function research?" Doocy asked finally.

"Well we have not, as Dr. Fauci has said repeatedly, we've never approved any funding for gain-of-function research in Wuhan, I think that's why you're asking the question. I believe some may have been approved, or funding may have been approved during the prior administration. There's a framework, I should say, this is not meant to be a criticism of funding and how it's approved through NIH programs, but I would send you to them to get more an explanation of the funding mechanisms."

"Can you imagine any circumstance where President Biden would ever fire him?" Doocy asked.

"No," Psaki replied, before moving on to questions from another reporter.

Calls for Fauci's firing or resignation have been mounting in recent days following the release of the emails.