Florida Lt. Governor Jay Collins Backs State Probe of Dr. Anthony Fauci

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a state-level inquiry into former White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, focusing on whether Fauci violated Florida law, misled the public, or caused financial or physical harm to residents.

Newsweek

The investigation follows Fauci’s recent appearance before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment right and declined to answer lawmakers’ questions. The hearing revived discussion of former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardon of Fauci, which covers potential federal offenses tied to his government service through January 19, 2025. Legal analysts note that a presidential pardon shields only against federal prosecution and does not automatically block state investigations.

Newsweek

Fauci’s attorney, David Schertler, declined to comment on the probe.

Newsweek

The inquiry could assess liability under Florida statutes, including consumer-protection and public-health laws. Because the alleged conduct occurred at the federal level, experts stress that any findings would hinge on state-specific legal theories rather than the scope of the presidential pardon.

Newsweek

• “Let's get this in the court of law,” — Jay Collins, florida lieutenant governor

Newsweek

• “The people deserve accountability, and this is what truly what it's about,” — Jay Collins, florida lieutenant governor

Newsweek

• “Getting accountability for people, because of the lives altered, the businesses that were lost. And making sure that they see their government, their state, their leaders, doing the right thing.” — Jay Collins, florida lieutenant governor

Newsweek