Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment 100 times at Senate hearing

Former White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a contentious Senate hearing on July 29, 2026, refusing to answer questions about his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, lasted nearly three hours and saw Fauci decline to respond over 100 times.

Republican senators used the hearing to present a sweeping case against Fauci, focusing on allegations of dishonesty, profiteering, and the erosion of public trust. Senator Rick Scott of Florida stated that Fauci had breached public trust and was hiding behind a pardon issued by former President Joe Biden. Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri asserted that Fauci's Fifth Amendment invocation was legally invalid due to the pardon and accused him of enriching himself during the pandemic. Hawley claimed Fauci used federal resources to solicit cash prizes for himself and said his actions were driven by a desire for fame and power.

The hearing frequently referenced Fauci's personal diary, released by Senator Paul days earlier....