Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment in Senate Hearing, Refuses to Answer a Single Question on COVID Origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci arrived on Capitol Hill under subpoena on Wednesday for a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. What began as expected testimony quickly turned into something far more dramatic. Within minutes of questioning, the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director stopped answering almost everything put to him.

Sen. Rand Paul pressed him on the origins of COVID-19, federally funded research, and decisions made during the pandemic. Each time, Fauci responded with the same carefully worded line: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution.” He repeated the phrase again and again, refusing even basic questions.

In a lengthy opening statement, Fauci went on the offensive. He accused Paul of an “unhinged obsession” and claimed the only reason he had been called was “to get me to say something, anything that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up in his words ‘behind bars.’” The tension in the room was immediate and unmistakable.

The hearing came just days after Paul released more than 1,100 pages of Fauci’s personal pandemic-era diary entries. Those pages included everyday details such as a phone call with Barbra Streisand about mRNA vaccines and Fauci demonstrating how Alexa worked by playing her songs. Republicans argued the diaries raised fresh questions about what officials knew and said behind the scenes.

Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, tried to interject during the proceedings. Paul ordered him removed, and Capitol Police escorted him out. Paul later noted that Fauci still had “the advice of the other half-a-dozen attorneys he brought along today.” The ejection only heightened the drama.

Sen. Josh Hawley later challenged the Fifth Amendment claim itself, arguing that a prior presidential pardon meant Fauci could no longer rely on the privilege. Hawley cited long-standing Supreme Court precedent. Fauci still declined to answer.

By the end of the session, Paul announced that the committee would vote on holding Fauci in contempt. The former public face of the federal COVID response had refused to answer a single substantive question under oath. What remains unanswered—and what the committee may still pursue—hangs over the entire episode.