Fauci Invokes Fifth Amendment, Refuses Questions at Senate COVID-Origins Hearing

Former top U.S. health official Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and declined to answer questions at a July 29, 2026, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on COVID-19 pandemic origins. Republican senators including Rand Paul, Joni Ernst and Rick Scott pressed Fauci during the proceedings. NPR described the hearing as "contentious."