Anthony Fauci declined to answer a series of questions during a U.S. Senate hearing focused on the origins of Covid-19, according to reports. The hearing was described as contentious, with senators pressing Fauci about issues related to the pandemic and its emergence.
Fauci repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights rather than responding to some questions. The constitutional protection allows individuals to decline to provide answers that could potentially be self-incriminating, but its use during the hearing drew attention and criticism from lawmakers.
The proceedings included some of the most heated exchanges of the hearing, as senators challenged Fauci over his refusal to respond. Sen. Paul said he would seek a contempt vote, raising the possibility of further congressional action over Fauci’s testimony.
The hearing reflects continuing political and public disputes over the origins of Covid-19 and the handling of questions surrounding the pandemic. The reports did not indicate that Fauci provided substantive answers to the questions on which he invoked the Fifth Amendment.