Fauci Refuses to Answer Senators' Questions on COVID-19 Origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci, once the nation's top health official, refused to answer questions at a July 29, 2026, Senate hearing on how COVID-19 began. He used his Fifth Amendment right, which lets people stay silent to avoid self-incrimination. Republican Sens. Rand Paul, Joni Ernst and Rick Scott questioned him. NPR called the hearing "contentious."