Anthony Fauci faces state probes after Biden pardon shields him federally
Former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci faces potential state-level investigations in Alabama and Florida regarding his COVID-19 response, despite receiving a federal pardon from President Biden. Republican lawmakers are pushing for accountability, arguing that presidential pardons do not cover state-level criminal charges.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing political and legal conflict regarding the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limits of executive clemency.
Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci may be spending more time in the Deep South than he envisioned after officials in Alabama and Florida announced plans to investigate whether he can be held accountable under state law for maladministration of the COVID-19 response. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 111 times during a Senate hearing Wednesday. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., argued that former President Joe Biden’s blanket pardon eliminated Fauci’s federal criminal exposure for covered conduct and undercut his basis for refusing to answer. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., alluded to that detail and told Fox News Digital that same pardon cannot prevent prosecution at the state level under the Constitution, which says presidential pardons cover "offenses against the United States." CAN FAUCI HIDE BEHIND THE FIFTH?
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