On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, former White House chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent 111 times during a Senate hearing led by Senator Rand Paul. The hearing focused on Fauci's alleged role in funding gain-of-function research in China, which some Republicans contend contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Paul opened the hearing with a forceful statement accusing Fauci and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of funding risky research for years, misleading Congress, and destroying records. Paul said, "That loss of trust may be your most damaging legacy."

Fauci responded, "Although it pains me to do so because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government, and my decades-long record of cooperating with Congress under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions."

The hearing became largely one-sided as Fauci declined to answer questions. This led to frustration from other lawmakers, including Moreno, who stated that Fauci's influence on pandemic policy motivated his own Senate run.

Senator Paul is seeking contempt charges against Fauci for refusing to testify. Paul emphasized that "It's against the law to obstruct an investigation of Congress," and warned, "There will be repercussions to your refusal to testify today."

The hearing was further intensified by Paul releasing over 1,000 pages of Fauci's diary online prior to the session. The proceedings highlighted ongoing tensions over accountability and transparency related to the nation's COVID-19 response.

Sources