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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayJuly 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. The committee, led by Sen. Rand Paul, is now considering potential contempt proceedings against him.

COVID-19Congressional HearingFifth AmendmentDr. Anthony FauciSen. Rand PaulPublic Health
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Why It Matters

The Senate committee is weighing whether to hold Dr. Fauci in for refusing to answer questions, a move that could lead to further legal action or criminal referrals.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during the Senate 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.
  • Sen. Rand Paul stated that the committee will consider appropriate action against Dr. Fauci for his failure to testify after being directed to do so.
  • Sen. Josh Hawley argued that Dr. Fauci does not have Fifth Amendment protections because he received a preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden.
  • Dr. Fauci was subpoenaed to appear before the committee after backing out of a voluntary agreement to testify.
  • Sen. Rand Paul released pages from Dr. Fauci's personal diary prior to the hearing.
  • The hearing focused on Dr. Fauci's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his previous testimony to Congress.

Who's Mentioned

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.”