8 misleading Fauci claims we've fact-checked

The scientist and longtime public servant became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published Aug. 4, 2026 In August 2026, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blamed COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden during those years. Kennedy joined many Republicans in criticizing Fauci for how he managed the public health crisis, while spreading misleading rumors about the physician (lockdowns were instituted by states and local leaders, not by Fauci). Snopes has covered many questionable rumors about Fauci over the years, including those related to the pandemic, politically motivated attacks on him, incorrectly attributed quotes and more. Below are a handful of misleading claims about Fauci that we've fact-checked over the years: Sources Graef, Aileen, and Katherine Dillinger. " RFK Jr. Targets Fauci and Pushes Medical Misinformation in Fiery CNN Interview ." CNN, 2 Aug. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/02/politics/rfk-jr-fauci-medical-misinformation. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026. Ibrahim, Nur. "25 Claims Involving Fauci We've Investigated." Snopes, 30 July 2026, https://www.snopes.com//collections/anthony-fauci-rumors-collection/. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026. Olson, Walter. "Federalism and the Coronavirus Lockdown." CATO Institute, 30 Mar. 2020, https://www.cato.org/commentary/federalism-coronavirus-lockdown. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026. By Nur Ibrahim Nur Nasreen Ibrahim is a reporter with experience working in television, international news coverage, fact checking, and creative writing. Article Tags