NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsJuly 29, 2026Hillsborough
Dr. Anthony Fauci declines to testify at Senate hearing
Former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times during a Senate subcommittee hearing regarding his role in the COVID-19 pandemic response. Committee members, led by Sen. Rand Paul, have threatened potential contempt proceedings in response to his refusal to answer questions.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
The Senate committee is considering a vote next week to hold Dr. Fauci in , which could lead to further legal action or criminal referrals regarding his testimony on pandemic-era policies.
Key Facts
- Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the hearing.
- The Senate committee plans to vote next week on whether to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt of Congress.
- Sen. Rand Paul ordered Dr. Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, to be removed from the hearing room after repeated interruptions.
- Dr. Fauci was subpoenaed to appear before the committee after previously agreeing to testify voluntarily.
- Sen. Rand Paul and other Republicans argue that a preemptive pardon issued by former President Joe Biden does not protect Dr. Fauci from testifying or from potential criminal charges for lying.
- Sen. Josh Hawley and other committee members contend that the Fifth Amendment privilege is invalid because of the pardon.
- The hearing focused on the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing guidelines and the origins of the virus.
- Sen. Rand Paul released pages from Dr. Fauci's personal diary prior to the hearing, alleging discrepancies between private views and public statements.
Who's Mentioned
organizationWorld Health Organization“Declared the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.”personDavid Schertler“Attorney for Dr. Fauci who was removed from the hearing room.”personAnthony Fauci“Former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NI”personJoe Biden“Former President who issued a preemptive pardon to Dr. Fauci.”personRand Paul“Republican Senator from Kentucky and chair of the subcommittee.”personJosh Hawley“Republican Senator from Missouri who questioned Fauci.”personJames Comer“Republican Representative from Kentucky.”personAshley Moody“Republican Senator from Florida who questioned Fauci.”organizationSenate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee“The committee conducting the hearing.”