Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked at least 111 questions today during a contentious congressional hearing on the origins of COVID-19 and his role in leading the government’s response to the pandemic.
And at least 111 times, Fauci said the same thing:
“On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”
Fauci repeatedly invoked what he claimed was his Fifth Amendment right to not answer the committee’s questions — even though former President Joe Biden granted Fauci a preemptive pardon last year, shielding him from federal prosecution for his official actions dating back to 2014.
Immediately following today’s hearing, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that his office is launching an investigation into Fauci.
“Fauci’s lack of candor to Congress is unbelievable,” Uthmeier wrote on X. “My office is launching an investigation into Dr. Fauci. It’s past time we get the truth of what happened during COVID.”
Legal experts said Biden’s preemptive pardon doesn’t protect Fauci from state-level charges.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, said the committee will schedule a vote next week on a resolution to hold Fauci in contempt.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) asked Fauci to agree to volunteer for a transcribed Senate interview — to which Fauci again invoked the Fifth Amendment.
“Expect a subpoena. Thank you,” Johnson said.
Hellbound and Down 