Fauci Stays Silent at Senate Hearing; Senator Says He Can't

At a July 29, 2026 Senate hearing on COVID-19's origins, Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions, using his constitutional right to stay silent when answers could get you in trouble. Senator Rand Paul argued that Fauci's presidential pardon — a formal forgiveness for crimes — removes that risk, so the right no longer applies. Courts have never settled this exact question.