Are you of the belief that Dr. Fauci has some sort of absolute control over funding decisions? If so, please show your source.
The fact that this project was funded by the NAID is public knowledge. Here's the source: https://www.usaspending.gov/award/ASST_NON_R01AI110964_7529
Now, whether or not this project was previously rejected by the DoD over GoF concerns...well that's what the attached article explores.