Fauci pleads Fifth in Senate COVID hearing, faces contempt vote

On July 30, 2026, Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during a U.S. Senate COVID hearing, prompting Republicans to attack and a contempt vote. Florida launched an investigation into Fauci, and experts say a Biden pardon may not fully protect him. Fauci's lawyer was ejected from the hearing. The events mark an escalation in the political battle over COVID origins and Fauci's role.