A Senate hearing examining Dr. Anthony Fauci’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic became tense Wednesday when one of his attorneys was removed from the hearing room after repeatedly interrupting questioning from Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul (R) as Fauci declined to answer questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee after being subpoenaed to testify about pandemic-era decisions, federally funded research, and the origins of COVID-19.
During the hearing, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases repeatedly refused to answer Paul’s questions, citing advice from his legal team and his constitutional protections.
The confrontation escalated when Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, attempted to speak during Paul’s questioning.
Paul told the attorney he was not recognized to testify and ordered him to leave the hearing room.
As Capitol Police moved to escort Schertler out of the hearing room, applause broke out among attendees.
Paul defended the decision, arguing that Fauci was entitled to legal advice but that his attorney could not answer questions or make arguments on his behalf while the former health official declined to testify.
Paul said the attorney had interrupted the proceedings and was attempting to provide arguments that belonged to witness testimony rather than legal representation.
Fauci remained accompanied by multiple attorneys who could advise him as he continued invoking his Fifth Amendment rights
Fauci began the hearing by accusing Paul of targeting him for political reasons.
In an opening statement, Fauci said he believed the hearing was intended to pressure him into making statements that could later be used as a basis for criminal allegations.
He referenced Paul’s previous calls for investigations into his actions during the pandemic, Trending Politics reported.
Paul, who has spent years challenging Fauci over COVID-19 policies, continued questioning him about government research funding, public statements made during the pandemic, and the origins of the virus.
Fauci repeatedly responded that, on the advice of counsel, he would not answer based on his Fifth Amendment rights.
The hearing marked the first time Fauci has invoked the Fifth Amendment during more than 250 appearances before Congress.
Fauci previously served as the nation’s leading infectious disease official during much of the pandemic and later became former President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser.
The Senate hearing followed Paul’s release of more than 1,000 pages of Fauci’s pandemic-era diary entries.
Paul said the documents raised additional questions about government transparency and officials’ public statements during the pandemic. Fauci has rejected accusations that he misled the public or Congress.
Lawmakers also focused on disputes surrounding the origins of COVID-19 and federally supported research.
Paul has argued that U.S. funding helped support risky coronavirus research connected to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Fauci has denied that the National Institutes of Health funded research that created the virus responsible for the pandemic.
Intelligence agencies remain divided over whether COVID-19 emerged through natural transmission or a laboratory-related incident, and no definitive conclusion has been reached.
The appearance came after Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Fauci.
Republican lawmakers have argued the pardon does not prevent Congress from examining the historical record or investigating whether officials provided accurate information.
Paul said the pardon does not erase documents or prevent lawmakers from seeking answers about government actions.
The fallout from the hearing could extend beyond Wednesday’s confrontation.
Paul announced that the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to vote next week on whether to hold Fauci in contempt after the former health official repeatedly declined to answer questions under oath while invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.
The hearing added another chapter to the ongoing political debate over COVID-19 accountability, government transparency, and the federal response to the pandemic.
Fauci has defended his actions, while Republican lawmakers continue to seek additional information about decisions made during the public health emergency.
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