State Attorneys General Investigate Anthony Fauci After Senate Silence

Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times while testifying before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The hearing, triggered by a subpoena from Senator Rand Paul, centered on COVID-19 origins and alleged discrepancies between Fauci's personal writings and public statements. Fauci argued his silence was necessary to avoid perjury traps.

In response to the testimony, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced that her state will join Florida and Alabama in investigating Fauci. Murrill alleged that Fauci previously lied during depositions by claiming he could not recall details that are now supported by contemporaneous records. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also launched a probe, while Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville pledged to pursue state charges if elected governor.

Republican senators, including Josh Hawley, argue that a full federal pardon granted by former President Joe Biden on January 19, 2025, nullifies Fauci's right to plead the Fifth. That pardon is currently under scrutiny by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform over allegations that an autopen was used while Biden lacked the mental capacity to authorize it. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to vote on a criminal contempt citation against Fauci in the coming week.