Fauci faces Senate contempt vote after invoking Fifth Amendment during Covid hearing

Former US public health official Dr Anthony Fauci is set to face a Senate committee vote on contempt after repeatedly invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a hearing examining the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Fauci, who served as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and was a leading figure in the United States’ pandemic response, declined to answer questions after being subpoenaed to appear before the Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The hearing, chaired by Senator Rand Paul, focused on the origins of Covid-19, federal funding for scientific research, and decisions made during the pandemic. Senator Paul announced that the committee intends to hold a vote next week on whether to cite Dr Fauci for contempt following his refusal to answer questions. A committee vote would not itself constitute a criminal conviction but could begin the formal congressional contempt process.

Dr Fauci’s legal team said he exercised his constitutional right on the advice of counsel, citing ongoing legal concerns. During the hearing, he repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment rather than responding to questions from senators.

The hearing reflected continuing political divisions over the handling and origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. Republican members argued that further scrutiny and accountability are required, while Democratic senators defended Dr Fauci’s public service and criticised the proceedings as politically motivated.

The committee is expected to consider the proposed contempt resolution next week. Any further action would depend on the outcome of that vote and subsequent congressional procedures.

Stay informed with the stories shaping health and social care.

Register with The Daily Round for the latest sector news, exclusive investigations, wellbeing content, workforce insights, expert features and practical updates—delivered free to your inbox.