Story perspectives

Fauci Refuses Senate Testimony, Invokes Fifth Amendment

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci will not appear for a Senate subcommittee interview; he will keep invoking his Fifth Amendment, arguing that compelling him would be harassment.
The Sen. Rand Paul-led subcommittee voted to hold Fauci in contempt but sent the resolution to the Justice Department.
Sen. Ron Johnson said his subcommittee released Fauci’s cellphone texts alleging a cover-up and accused him of lying about vaccine safety data, though no evidence was presented.

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Story summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci will not appear for a Senate subcommittee interview; he will keep invoking his Fifth Amendment, arguing that compelling him would be harassment.
The Sen. Rand Paul-led subcommittee voted to hold Fauci in contempt but sent the resolution to the Justice Department.
Sen. Ron Johnson said his subcommittee released Fauci’s cellphone texts alleging a cover-up and accused him of lying about vaccine safety data, though no evidence was presented.