Anthony Fauci refuses to answer questions during tense US Senate hearing about Covid origins
The former top US health official said he feared Republicans could try to trip him up and use his testimony to prosecute him for perjury.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Although it pains me to do so because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government ... under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the constitution to refrain from answering your questions."
— Anthony Fauci , Other
"The only conclusion I can reach is that the sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something - anything - that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, 'behind bars.'"
— Anthony Fauci , Other
"The committee would vote next week on a resolution holding Fauci in contempt of Congress."
— Rand Paul , Politician
"I said from the beginning that the Virus came from the Wuhan Laboratory in China. Fauci strongly disagreed, always trying to protect China."
— Donald Trump , Politician
Key People
Former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Current U.S. President who has criticized Netanyahu's actions.
Rand Paul is a Republican U.S. Senator from Kentucky.
Locations
All Coverage
The former top US health official said he feared Republicans could try to trip him up and use his testimony to prosecute him for perjury.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith faces Senate hearing over 'abuse of authority' accusations - Reuters
Former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith faces Senate hearing over 'abuse of authority' accusations Reuters
September 29, 2026 at 01:10 PMTrump's FDA pick to face vaccine, abortion pill questions at US Senate hearing - Reuters
Trump's FDA pick to face vaccine, abortion pill questions at US Senate hearing Reuters
September 24, 2026 at 10:24 AMWhite House withdraws Trump's ICE nominee as Republican senator objects
One senator from Trump's party blocked the bid as he demands information about the fatal killings of US citizens by immigration enforcement.
September 17, 2026 at 10:17 PMUS army secretary resigns after months of tension
Dan Driscoll, the youngest-ever army secretary, was about 18 months into his post.
September 1, 2026 at 01:01 AMFauci to face contempt vote after refusing to answer Covid questions in Congress
Senator Rand Paul says: "I think there is a very real chance that he could be prosecuted for that."
July 30, 2026 at 02:39 AMFauci invokes Fifth Amendment in showdown with Republican lawmakers
Fauci invoked his right not to respond to questions in his opening statement, citing Senator Rand Paul's "unhinged obsession" with trying to put him "behind bars".
July 29, 2026 at 01:42 PM