LIVE: Dr. Fauci Faces Off With Rand Paul in Contentious Senate COVID Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (THECOUNT) — Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination Wednesday during testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, declining to answer questions posed by lawmakers investigating issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington, D.C., is the seat of the federal government, where members of Congress continue to examine decisions made during the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and questions surrounding the virus’s origins.

The hearing was chaired by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has been one of Fauci’s most vocal critics and has repeatedly accused the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director of misleading the American public regarding COVID-19-related matters.

In his opening statement, Fauci said he was invoking his constitutional rights based on the advice of his attorneys.

“It pains me to do so because of the respect that I have for the legislative branch of government and my decades long record of cooperating with Congress, under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions,” Fauci told the committee.

🚨 NOW: Sen. Bernie Moreno is absolutely TORCHING Dr. Fauci to his face

"Who the F—K do you think you were?! It is a TOTAL DISGRACE what you did to this country."

"You may have had a 50 plus year legacy of public service. But it ends in total and complete DISGRACE." pic.twitter.com/Mi2Oh7ElHv

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 29, 2026

Fauci stated that during his 38 years leading the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he testified before or briefed congressional committees more than 200 times.

Paul’s questioning was expected to focus in part on Fauci’s private journal entries written between December 2019 and December 2022. The Kentucky senator has publicly called for greater scrutiny of Fauci’s actions and statements during the pandemic.

Fauci alleged that Paul’s longstanding criticism and calls for criminal prosecution influenced his decision not to answer questions during the hearing.

Sen Josh Hawley: "What day of the week is it?… What color tie are you wearing?… What color is the carpet?…"

Fauci: Invokes the 5th for every question

What a complete joke…pic.twitter.com/bg9WNuXf3y

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 29, 2026

One of Fauci’s attorneys, David Schertler, attempted to address the committee following Paul’s questioning but was ruled out of order by the chairman. Paul stated that Schertler had not been invited to provide testimony and warned him that continued disruption would result in his removal.

Capitol Police subsequently escorted Schertler from the hearing room after Paul requested security assistance.

Republican lawmakers, including Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., asked Fauci questions regarding theories surrounding the origin of COVID-19, including whether the virus originated in a laboratory. Fauci declined to respond, citing his Fifth Amendment protections.

HOLY SHIT!! 🔥🔥

Josh Hawley just trolled the living hell out of Fauci and then absolutely DESTROYED and EXPOSED him in front of the entire country. pic.twitter.com/eSTdkdBiHt

— Gain of Fauci (@DschlopesIsBack) July 29, 2026

Democratic senators used their time to praise Fauci’s government service and criticized Republican lawmakers for their handling of the hearing and their criticisms of the former public health official.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., characterized Fauci as the target of political attacks and defended his role during the pandemic.

One million Americans died from COVID and not even an apology from Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Sickening. pic.twitter.com/dqe01KojGA

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) July 29, 2026

The Senate committee’s investigation into COVID-19-related issues remains ongoing.

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