Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment, declines to testify in Republican-led COVID-19 Senate hearing
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times, refusing to answer questions in a Republican-led Senate hearing regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a presidential pardon, Republicans sought to question him on potential perjury, leading to a combative session where Fauci stated he was following legal advice due to perceived political targeting.
Why it matters
This event highlights the ongoing partisan divisions and political scrutiny surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic response and Dr. Fauci's role, potentially impacting public trust and future public health policy discussions.
Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday (July 29, 2026) repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer dozens of questions from senators in a Republican-led committee hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision, at least for now, shielded Mr. Fauci from answering questions that could expose him to accusations of lying under oath. Though he received a pardon in early 2025 from Democratic President Joe Biden , some Republicans pursuing a yearslong campaign for his arrest had suggested he could still face charges for any perjury committed during Wednesday's hearing.
The scientist, who helped lead the nation's COVID-19 response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has long had an antagonistic relationship with Mr. Fauci.
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