Sen. Rand Paul is calling for Dr. Anthony Fauci to reappear before Congress after emails were uncovered that contradict his testimony to lawmakers.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee obtained documents showing that Dr. Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, directed NIH employees to destroy records.
“These documents suggest your direct involvement in efforts to conceal information related to the Committee’s investigation and appear to contradict your previous testimony before Congress,” Mr. Paul, Kentucky Republican, said in a letter Tuesday to Dr. Fauci.
The letter is the latest salvo in a vicious five-year battle between Mr. Paul and Dr. Fauci over the government’s handling of the pandemic.
The letter notes that during his June 2024 testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Dr. Fauci was asked if he had ever deleted records, and he responded, “No.”
He was similarly asked if he had ever attempted to obstruct the Freedom of Information Act or the release of public documents, and if he had deleted emails or records related to the Wuhan lab or the origins of the virus. Dr. Fauci again responded “no.”
In an email obtained by the committee dated Feb. 2, 2020, Dr. Fauci directed NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins to “please delete this e-mail after you read it.”
Another email from July 20, 2020, to an NIH employee from Dr. Fauci says, “I do not want to engage any more with this nonsense. And so, please delete this e-mail after you read it.”
Mr. Paul requested a list of all email addresses, phone numbers and messaging applications Dr. Fauci used between Jan. 1, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2023, along with emails, attachments, records of calls and voicemails sent or received on government-issued or personal devices, including encrypted or third-party messaging applications, relating to a whole slew of people, places or departments relating to COVID-19.
The committee also wants Dr. Fauci to appear before Congress by the end of the year, and provided dates in October, November and December to schedule the appearance.
Mr. Paul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, has called on the Justice Department to charge Dr. Fauci with lying to Congress.
“I do believe Anthony Fauci committed a felony by lying to Congress,” Mr. Paul said in an interview in July. “You have to charge [Dr. Fauci] with a felony, take him to court and then the court will decide whether or not the pardon is upheld.”
Dr. Fauci was given a preemptive pardon by President Biden, which could shield him from any consequences if he’s found guilty of lying about anything related to the pandemic.
The Washington Times has reached out to Dr. Fauci for comment.
For more information, visit The Washington Times COVID-19 resource page.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.