Fauci pleads the Fifth, refuses to answer questions to Congress

Dr. Anthony Fauci appears before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee at the Capitol, Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) Dr. Anthony Fauci appears before the … more > - The Washington Times - Wednesday, July 29, 2026 Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his right to remain silent on Wednesday, refusing to answer questions from Congress about his conduct during the coronavirus pandemic. He said he is willing to testify — and has repeatedly done so in the past — but said this hearing was a setup to entice him into a crime for which he could be prosecuted. “Under the advice of counsel, I invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions,” he told the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee. He had appeared under a subpoena from Chairman Rand Paul, who has spent years challenging Dr. Fauci’s findings and actions surrounding the pandemic. Dr. Fauci said Mr. Paul has been clear in saying he should be prosecuted, and he said that tainted Wednesday’s proceedings. He also pointed to Mr. Paul’s move this weekend to release unredacted portions of his personal journal as evidence Mr. Paul is acting in bad faith. SEE ALSO: The Fauci diaries: Top five takeaways For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page. Story Topics Latest Video