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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 29, 2026United States

Dr. Anthony Fauci Declines to Answer Questions at Senate Hearing

Former NIH official Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination over 100 times during a Senate committee hearing regarding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing, led by Senator Rand Paul, focused on accusations of past dishonesty and the potential role of NIH-funded research in the virus's emergence.

COVID-19Congressional HearingPublic HealthNIHPandemic Origins
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Why It Matters

The Senate committee is scheduled to vote next week on whether to hold Dr. Fauci in for his refusal to answer questions, a move that could lead to further legal action or criminal referrals.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during the hearing.
  • The Senate committee will vote next week on whether to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt.
  • Senator Rand Paul released over 1,000 pages of Dr. Fauci's personal diary entries prior to the hearing.
  • Dr. Fauci received a pardon from President Joe Biden in early 2025.
  • Senator Rand Paul ejected Dr. Fauci's attorney, David Schertler, from the hearing room.
  • More than 150 infectious-disease experts signed a letter defending Dr. Fauci against the charges.
  • The hearing examined whether NIH-funded research in Wuhan, China, contributed to the pandemic.
  • The Trump administration announced new rules on Tuesday to tighten oversight of gain-of-function research.
  • A 2024 GOP-led subcommittee investigation found no evidence linking Dr. Fauci to wrongdoing.
  • Dr. Fauci has previously testified before Congress regarding pandemic origins in 2022.

Who's Mentioned

personAnthony Fauci“Former NIH scientist and lead COVID-19 response official.”personMaggie Hassan“Democratic Senator from New Hampshire.”personJoe Biden“Democratic President who issued a pardon to Fauci in early 2025.”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health Secretary who provided Fauci's diary to the committee.”personDavid Schertler“Attorney for Dr. Anthony Fauci.”organizationNational Institutes of Health“Federal agency where Fauci worked for 40 years.”organizationEcoHealth Alliance“Nonprofit that received NIH grants for research in China.”personRand Paul“Republican Senator from Kentucky leading the committee hearing.”personDonald Trump“President who commented on the hearing and previously paused gain-of-function re”