Rand Paul seeks contempt charges against Anthony Fauci after the expert invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a Senate hearing.
Senator Rand Paul announced plans to pursue contempt of Congress proceedings against Dr. Anthony Fauci following a Senate committee hearing on July 29, 2026. During the testimony, Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment rights more than 100 times, refusing to answer questions regarding his role in the COVID-19 pandemic. While Dr. Anthony Fauci received a full and unconditional pardon from the Biden administration, critics argue that the pardon only protects him from prosecution for truthful testimony. Senator Rand Paul noted that the pardon does not prevent him from being charged with perjury if he knowingly lies under oath. Legal experts have weighed in on whether a witness with a presidential pardon can still validly invoke the Fifth Amendment for factual questions. The committee plans to vote on the contempt resolution next week, which must then clear a 60-vote filibuster in the full Senate to pass.