On July 29, 2026, Anthony Fauci appeared before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. During the hearing, Fauci faced questions regarding his role in the funding of research related to the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. He invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, declining to answer questions from senators, including Chairman Rand Paul, who accused him of misleading the public and Congress. Fauci's only responses were to cite his legal counsel and his constitutional rights.
Senator Josh Hawley questioned Fauci about his refusal to answer basic questions, while Senator Ron Johnson suggested a link between Fauci's health issues and COVID-19 vaccinations, a claim Fauci did not contest during the hearing. The hearing was characterized by partisan tensions, with Democrats refraining from questioning Fauci and instead criticizing the hearing's organization and the previous administration's approach to public health.
Fauci's lawyer attempted to defend him but was removed from the hearing at the request of Senator Paul. Fauci's previous statements regarding gain-of-function research were brought up, with Paul alleging that Fauci had supported dangerous research practices. Fauci's responses were limited to his legal counsel's advice, and he did not engage with the accusations made against him during the session.