Fauci Declines to Answer at Senate Hearing on COVID-19 Origins

Former top U.S. health official Dr. Anthony Fauci declined to answer questions at a July 29, 2026, Senate hearing on COVID-19's origins, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Republican Sens. Rand Paul, Joni Ernst and Rick Scott pressed Fauci during the session, which NPR described as "contentious."