Senator Rand Paul has issued a subpoena compelling former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci to testify before Congress next month, escalating a long-running dispute over the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to congressional sources, the subpoena was authorized through a Senate committee chaired by Paul, who has been a vocal critic of Fauci’s leadership during the pandemic. The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on the origins of COVID-19, federal funding of virology research, and public health policy decisions made during the crisis.
Paul said in a statement that the subpoena is necessary to “ensure full transparency and accountability to the American people.” He has previously accused Fauci of providing incomplete or misleading testimony to Congress, particularly regarding U.S. funding for research in Wuhan, China.
Fauci, who retired from his government role in late 2022 after decades of public service, has consistently denied wrongdoing. In past statements, he has defended his actions, saying that decisions were based on the best available scientific evidence at the time and in the interest of public safety.
Legal experts note that while congressional subpoenas carry significant weight, disputes over compliance can lead to prolonged legal battles.
“Last week, Anthony Fauci notified us he will NOT voluntarily testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, even though he had previously agreed to do so,” Paul wrote on social platform X.
“Therefore, today I have issued a subpoena requiring him to testify before the Committee, in public, next month,” he added.
The hearing is expected to draw significant political attention, reflecting ongoing divisions in Washington over pandemic-era policies and accountability. Further details, including the exact date of Fauci’s testimony, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
