Anthony Fauci, former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), appeared before a congressional committee on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, but declined to answer lawmakers' questions. During the hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 70 times.

Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced he will seek civil contempt charges against Fauci in response. Paul subpoenaed Fauci to testify about the origins of COVID-19 after Fauci declined to appear voluntarily.

Paul indicated that a committee vote on contempt is scheduled for the following week and noted a legal question regarding whether a presidential pardon provides complete immunity. "I think there's another legal question that the courts may have to decide upon," Paul said.

Fauci, in his opening statement, accused Paul of having an "obsession" with seeking his arrest and said Paul released more than 1,000 pages of his "personal diary" over the weekend in an effort to embarrass and intimidate him. The committee vote is expected to fall along party lines, with several Democrats defending Fauci.

Sources