Can Fauci Plead the Fifth After Biden Pardon? Why It's a Legal Gray Area
Paul plans a committee vote on contempt after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, as Republicans dispute whether Biden’s pardon leaves him vulnerable to charges.
- On Tuesday, Republican Sen. Rand Paul introduced a resolution to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, following Fauci's invocation of the Fifth Amendment during a July 29, 2026 hearing.
- During the July 29 hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right more than 100 times, refusing to answer questions regarding COVID-19 Pandemic origins and research practices.
- Republicans argue the Fifth Amendment privilege is unsupported because former President Joe Biden granted Fauci a 'full and unconditional pardon' in January 2025 for actions during his tenure.
- The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will vote Thursday on the resolution, which argues Fauci's opening statement forfeited his Fifth Amendment rights.
- If the committee approves the resolution, it will be certified to the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, initiating potential prosecution for alleged obstruction of Congress.
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11 Articles
Rand Paul says he will send Fauci contempt referral straight to DOJ if it passes committee
The senator clarified that although Fauci has received a presidential pardon, his refusal to help the Senate is a crime of its own that is not covered under the pardon, which excused any crime committed between 2014 and January 2025.
Rand Paul Introduces Resolution To Hold Fauci In Contempt
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