Fauci invokes Fifth Amendment at Senate hearing on Covid origins

Dr. Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a Senate hearing on Wednesday about the origins of Covid-19. He used his Fifth Amendment right more than 90 times. This right allows Americans to stay silent if they believe their words could be used against them in court.

Senator Rand Paul, who organised the hearing, had legally required Fauci to appear. Paul has previously accused Fauci of funding research connected to the pandemic and of lying to Congress. Fauci denies both claims. He said he was worried Republicans would use his testimony to charge him with perjury.

Paul also suggested that Fauci told the public Covid had natural origins but privately thought it came from a laboratory. The committee may now consider holding Fauci in contempt.