Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, announced on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026, that he will push to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress. This follows Fauci's decision to invoke his Fifth Amendment right during a hearing on Capitol Hill regarding his role in the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic response.

Paul told reporters, "It will be in contempt of Congress." He argued that Fauci, who has immunity from criminal liability, did not need to invoke the Fifth Amendment and suggested that the amendment might not apply if a pardon is in place. Paul stated that the contempt vote will proceed and that it remains uncertain whether the Department of Justice will act on it.

The Republican senator has been a vocal critic of Fauci's handling of the pandemic and has called for his arrest, alleging that Fauci lied to Congress about funding research projects in China that Paul claims contributed to the pandemic's outbreak. These allegations are detailed in Paul's 2023 book, "Deception: The Great Cover-Up," which features Fauci's image on the cover.

Paul also noted, "I’ve recommended before for his criminal prosecution, and neither the Biden DOJ nor the Trump DOJ have taken it up. All I can do is recommend prosecution."

During the hearing, Fauci strongly denied the allegations and remained silent except to repeatedly invoke his Fifth Amendment right, stating, "On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution."

Sources