Full Breakdown
Fauci Texts Reveal Private Concern Over COVID-19 Vaccine and First-Trimester Miscarriage Risk
8/11/2026, 4:01:41 AM
Core Event
On August 10 2026, Republican Senators Ron Johnson (Wis.) and Rand Paul (Ky.) released excerpts from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s government-issued cellphone. The four-page excerpt shows a January 25-26 2021 text exchange among Fauci, then-CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky and then-Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The senators say the phone contains more than 34,000 texts and 522 voicemails; only three contacts are named.
Background & Context
When the COVID-19 vaccines received Emergency Use Authorization in December 2020, pregnant women were largely excluded from the pivotal trials. Federal agencies began collecting real-world safety data through the CDC’s V-safe pregnancy registry, which had enrolled over 15,000 pregnant participants by early 2021. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Paul, is reviewing Fauci’s communications as part of its pandemic-response investigation.
Data & Statistics
- Phone records: >34,000 texts, 522 voicemails (Johnson’s office).
- V-safe enrollment (early 2021): >15,000 pregnant women (Walensky’s note).
- Vaccinated pregnant women by late January 2021: >10,000 with “no issues” reported (Fauci’s text).
- CDC analysis of ?2,500 vaccinated women before 20 weeks (2021) found a miscarriage rate of about 13 percent, within expected background levels.
- Sen. Johnson cites an 82 percent miscarriage rate among women vaccinated in the first or second trimester, based on a June 2021 NEJM study of 827 pregnancies (claim not independently verified).
Official Statements & Responses
- August 30 2021 – Fauci reiterated that “it’s pretty clear that pregnant women should get vaccinated.”
- CDC guidance (2021) recommends COVID-19 vaccination before or during pregnancy, stating that benefits outweigh known or potential risks.
- WHO (January 2021) advised against routine use of Moderna’s vaccine in pregnant women because of limited data; Fauci responded that officials must weigh vaccine risks against the risks of COVID-19 infection.
Criticism & Opposition
Sen. Rand Paul blasted Fauci on social media, asking how many babies were lost due to Fauci’s “lies.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Johnson’s 82 percent miscarriage rate conflicts with CDC’s 13 percent figure and the CDC’s statement that miscarriage rates are within expected ranges. Johnson’s claim remains an allegation; CDC data present an established finding.
- No independent verification of deletions has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I asked around a bit more and another issue came up that you need to be aware of. Since many people have significant cytokines storm and fever after the 2nd dose, this theoretically could be associated with miscarriage in the 1st trimester.” — Anthony Fauci, his attorney
- “I would say that in any vaccine in which data are lacking in pregnant women one must weigh the potential risks against the benefits.” — Anthony Fauci, his attorney
What’s Next
Johnson and Paul say staff will continue reviewing the remaining messages and voicemails, with additional material expected to be released as “relevant.” The Florida Attorney General’s office has issued a subpoena to Fauci and indicated it will seek court enforcement if the request is not complied with. The Senate committee’s contempt vote and ongoing subpoenas suggest further testimony and document production are forthcoming.
