Lawmakers vote 8-5 to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress

U.S. lawmakers voted Thursday to hold Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical officer to President Joe Biden, in contempt of Congress. The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs passed the resolution with an 8-5 vote. This decision follows a contentious hearing on July 29, where Fauci was subpoenaed to discuss the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's response but declined to answer questions, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights.

The hearing intensified scrutiny on Fauci, who previously played a central role in managing the pandemic response under both Biden and former President Donald Trump. Committee chair Senator Rand Paul criticized Fauci, claiming he had "faced no risk of federal prosecution" due to a preemptive pardon issued by Biden in January 2025. Paul alleged that Fauci refused to provide truthful answers, stating that he had declined to respond over 100 times during the hearing.

During the hearing, Fauci defended his record, asserting that he had testified before Congress over 200 times during his 38 years as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He suggested that the release of his personal diary by Paul was an intimidation tactic. Fauci emphasized that he had previously cooperated with congressional inquiries, participating in sworn interviews and hearings regarding the pandemic.

Following the committee's vote, Senator Paul indicated he would refer the matter to the Justice Department for further action. Fauci has become a polarizing figure, facing ongoing criticism from Republican lawmakers and others for his pandemic management, including lockdown policies and public health messaging. This contempt vote marks a significant escalation in the political clashes surrounding the COVID-19 response and Fauci's role in it.